Copper Slag Cathodes for Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Generation: Corrosion and Electrochemical Insights for Saline Water Splitting

The increasing demand for sustainable energy and clean water has prompted the exploration of alternative solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In this context, hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by solar energy presents a promising pathway toward a zero-carbon footprint. This study investigates the potential of copper slag, an abundant industrial waste, as a low-cost electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in contact with saline water such as 0.5 M NaCl and seawater, comparing the electrochemical response when in contact with geothermal water from El Tatio (Atacama Desert). The physicochemical characterisation of copper slag was performed using XRD, Raman, and SEM-EDS to determine its surface properties. Electrochemical evaluations were conducted in 0.5 M NaCl and natural seawater using polarisation techniques to assess the corrosion behaviour and catalytic efficiency of the copper slag electrodes. The results indicate that copper slag exhibits high stability and promising HER kinetics, particularly in seawater, where its mesoporous structure facilitates efficient charge transfer processes. The key novelty of this manuscript lies in the direct revalorisation of untreated copper slag as a functional electrode for HER in real seawater and geothermal water, avoiding the use of expensive noble metals and aligning with circular economy principles. This innovative combination of recycled material and natural saline electrolyte enhances both the technical and economic viability of electrolysis, while reducing environmental impact and promoting green hydrogen production in coastal regions with high solar potential. This research contributes to the value of industrial waste, offering a viable pathway for advancing sustainable hydrogen technologies in real-world environments.