Copper-based water oxidation catalysts

摘要

Methods for electrolysis of water to oxygen gas are provided. The method utilizes dimeric copper cations in water at a basic pH. The cations are provided in the water by adding a complex in solid form with an appropriate anion, or through a "self-assembly" method whereby a copper salt and appropriate ligands are added to water adjusted to a basic pH. The cations decrease the overpotential of water electrolysis, thereby providing for efficient generations of oxygen gas using a catalyst formed from an abundant material (copper).