Cu-Nb-O ternary system nanofibers obtained by solution blow spinning as catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Electrolysis of water for hydrogen production is a promising approach to storing excess energy generated by renewable sources. The need for high-performance catalysts in water electrolysis has led to interest in fiber-like catalysts, which offer larger surface areas without the aggregation issues common to small nanoparticles. In this study, we report the synthesis of dual-phase CuO/CuNb2O6 nanofibers using the Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) technique and evaluate their performance in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The spun nanofibers consist of 23.17 wt.% CuO and 76.83 wt.% CuNb2O6 and exhibit excellent OER activity, with an overpotential of 380 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 104 mV dec−1, and outstanding short-term stability over 15 h. These findings suggest that the synthesized nanofibers are promising catalysts for OER in water electrolysis applications. •First report of the CuO/CuNb₂O₆ heterostructure as a catalyst for OER in alkaline media.•CuO/CuNb₂O₆ nanofibers synthesized by solution blow spinning (SBS).•CuO/CuNb₂O₆ heterostructure with overpotential of 380 mV at 10 mA cm2 for the OER.•Exceptional stability in alkaline media for 15 h of continuous operation.