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Abstract

The controlled synthesis of a series of ordered mesoporous composite materials via solid–solid reaction of ordered mesoporous Co₃O₄ with various transition metal precursors is reported. This versatile methodology allows preparation of a range of composites with precisely controllable material compositions. The textural parameters of the heterostructured compounds are highly dependent on the oxidation state of the dopant. Electrocatalytic activities of the prepared materials were investigated as oxygen evolution catalysts for the electrolysis of water. Among the ordered mesoporous composite materials, Co₃O₄–CuCo₂O₄ shows a significant enhancement for electro-catalytic water splitting with a lower onset potential and higher current density. Following these results, a series of ordered mesoporous composite materials based on cobalt and copper oxides with different atomic ratios were prepared through a nanocasting route. Enhanced electrocatalytic performance was obtained for all composite samples in comparison with Co₃O₄.