Facile fabrication of MnTe@CNT nanocomposite for high efficiency hydrogen production via renewable energy sources

Abstract

It is crucial for water splitting to design highly effective electrode materials with cheap cost and superior effectiveness for the OER (oxygen evolution reaction). Herein, we disclose first instance of an extraordinary electrocatalyst like manganese telluride that has been hydrothermally encased in carbon nanotubes (MnTe@CNTs). The physical characteristics of synthesized catalysts are examined for the analysis of structural, morphologic, and the textural properties. The as-synthesized MnTe@CNTs nanocomposite exhibits significant catalytic performance exhibiting the Cdl (double layer capacitance) and ECSA (electrochemical surface area) values of 10.23 mF cm⁻² and 256 cm², respectively. Due to the excellent ECSA, the nanocomposite shows lower overpotential and smaller Tafel slope of 256 mV and 45.1 mV dec⁻¹, respectively, for the OER at 10 mA cm⁻² current density in 1.0 M KOH solution. Furthermore, MnTe@CNTs nanostructure demonstrates the exhibits the 100 h-long durability. These remarkable results open new channels for future green energy applications.