Cu-based hollow nanotubes with enhanced surface roughness and Chloridion-Enriched environment for Seawater-Splitting

The search for promising methods of hydrogen production has led to the development of electrocatalytic overall seawater splitting. We have successfully prepared a highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst, Cu-based hollow nanotubes with rough surfaces coupled with chloridion-enriched environment on copper foam, through in-situ corrosive engineering and cation/anion exchange at room temperature. This innovative approach has resulted in an electrocatalyst with excellent electrochemical activity and stability in seawater electrolyte, which could potentially revolutionize the field of renewable energy. Remarkably, this electrocatalyst requires only a small voltage of 1.55 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in a tedious seawater electrolyte, with excellent stability at 200 mA cm−2 for 100 h. Our work provides a valuable avenue for increasing the active sites and corrosion resistance of synthesized nanomaterials, making them a viable option for renewable energy-related applications.