Minimized OER overpotential via SILAR-based development of g-C₃N₄/CdS nanocomposite

For the water-splitting process, it is essential to improve the search for low-cost, highly active materials that can catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Based on this, the current work suggests a unique method for creating g-C₃N₄/CdS nanocomposite. The g-C₃N₄/CdS nanocomposite loaded on nickel foam (NF) required overpotential of 279.6 mV for the OER, which is higher than overpotentials required by g-C₃N₄ and CdS for attaining desired standard current density of 10 mA cm⁻² under the same circumstances. Findings elucidate high activity of composite material through increased active sites with ECSA of 130 cm², very low charge-transfer resistance Rct value of 2.5 (Ω) and decreased tafel slope value of 44.5 mV dec⁻¹. All these factors are accountable for the improved OER activity and faster reaction kinetics. The material was characterized through XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XPS techniques. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].