Harnessing Engineered Copper Sulfide Layered Microspheres Catalyst for Enhanced Electrochemical Methanol Oxidation Reaction

The global energy crisis has strengthened the search for sustainable alternatives, with the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) evolving as a key focus for the development of sustainable energy sources. This study investigates layered microspheres of copper sulfide (CuS‐N) as a cost‐effective and efficient electrocatalyst for MOR. The CuS‐N catalyst was synthesized via an eco‐friendly, facile one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis method and thoroughly characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical MOR measurements of the CuS‐N catalyst exhibited efficient catalytic activity due to its distinctive electronic structure and physicochemical properties, achieving a peak current density of 67.51 mA/cm 2 and a low overpotential in 1 M KOH with a 1 M MeOH electrolyte. The as‐synthesized catalyst CuS‐N exhibited a low charge transfer resistance (R ct ) value of 19.34 Ω, a Tafel slope of 120 mV dec −1 , and an electrochemically active surface area of 347.79 µF cm −2 , along with excellent operational stability over 16 h. The improved performance is attributed to its high crystallinity, phase purity, and smaller crystallite size, which collectively increase active surface area and facilitate electron transfer efficiency. In comparison to conventional electrocatalysts, CuS‐N offers better durability, stability, and cost‐effectiveness, making it an efficient catalyst for MOR. This study highlights the potential of transition metal sulfides in energy conversion technology and provides insights for further optimization and applied execution in sustainable energy applications, such as direct methanol fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems.