Chemical engineering of CuS thin film with Ag-modified InSe₂ supported on NF enhancing electrochemical performance for OER and HER

Securing an affordable and environmentally friendly fuel source is a pressing global need. Hydrogen gas, renowned for being carbon-free and derived from water, stands as an abundant and low-cost energy resource. Efficient water electrolysis hinges upon selecting economical yet effective electrocatalysts. In this context, copper-based chalcogenides have garnered attention for driving water electrolysis. This report presents a newly developed electrocatalyst: copper sulfide (CuS) supported silver indium selenide-nickel foam (AgInSe₂–NF) composites, characterized by a diverse array of morphologies. The optimized CuS@15%AgInS₂ electrocatalyst showcased superior performance when related to electrocatalysts based on noble metals and metal sulfides which were reported previously. CuS@15%AgInSe₂–NF nanocomposite exhibits significant potential in water oxidation, revealing a marked reduction in overpotential: 289 mV at a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm⁻² for OER and 85 mV for HER. This heightened efficiency is accredited to various exceptional elements associated with design of nanocomposite, which offers abundant reactive sites and ion transfer pathways within its structure. Furthermore, this design fortifies structural integrity and conductivity of CuS@15%AgInSe₂ heterostructure. Additionally, synergistic interplay between AgInSe₂ and CuS enhances electron transport and augments electrocatalytic properties. Notably, electrocatalyst exhibits exceptional stability, consistently producing hydrogen gas for over 25 h. These findings not only highlight potential of CuS@15%AgInSe₂ for a multitude of OER and HER applications but also underscore effectiveness of material hybridization as a straightforward yet potent method to enhance the electrochemical performance of an electrode.