Copper corrole immobilized onto reduced graphene oxide: An efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

First-row transition metal complexes derived from corrole-based ligands are considered efficient catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). They are known to enhance the rate of hydrogen production by lowering the energy barrier in the water-splitting process. Here, the synthesis and characterization of a copper corrole complex (CuN2CA) having amine functionality on corrole has been reported. This complex is immobilized onto reduced graphene oxide (CuN2CA-rGO) that exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a significantly lower onset potential of -0.57 V vs. NHE efficiency of the corrole complex has significantly been improved when combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO).