Preparation of copper lanthanum oxide cathodes via pulsed electrodeposition for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Copper lanthanum oxide electrodes were successfully prepared via pulsed electrodeposition and evaluated for their performance in photoelectrochemical water splitting. The copper lanthanum oxide composite exhibits several advantages over pure copper oxides, including improved electrical conductivity, enhanced charge carrier separation, and increased catalytic activity, making it a promising material for hydrogen production. The pulsed electrodeposition method enables precise control over film morphology, crystallinity, and composition, leading to the formation of uniform and highly active electrode surfaces. Compared to conventional electrodeposition techniques, the pulsed approach enhances the adhesion and structural integrity of the deposited layers, reducing the risk of degradation during prolonged electrochemical operation. Photoelectrochemical characterization revealed that the Cu–La electrodes generated significantly higher photocurrent densities than pure copper oxide electrodes, indicating enhanced light absorption and improved charge transfer properties. The Cu–La electrode demonstrates high performance through stable and enhanced cathodic photocurrents under visible light and exceptionally efficient hydrogen evolution (up to 51 mmol H₂/cm² in 1 h), significantly outperforming pure Cu₂O electrodes due to synergistic interactions between the Cu₂O and La₂CuO₄ phases. These results highlight the effectiveness of Cu–La composite cathodes and the advantages of pulsed electrodeposition in designing advanced materials for sustainable hydrogen production.