Minimized OER overpotential via SILAR-based development of g-C${}_3$N${}_4$/CdS nanocomposite

For the water-splitting process, it is essential to improve the search for low-cost, highly active materials that can catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Based on this, the current work suggests a unique method for creating g-C${}_3$N${}_4$/CdS nanocomposite. The g-C${}_3$N${}_4$/CdS nanocomposite loaded on nickel foam (NF) required overpotential of 279.6 mV for the OER, which is higher than overpotentials required by g-C${}_3$N${}_4$ and CdS for attaining desired standard current density of 10 mA cm${}^{-2}$ under the same circumstances. Findings elucidate high activity of composite material through increased active sites with ECSA of 130 cm${}^2$, very low charge-transfer resistance Rct value of 2.5 (Ω) and decreased tafel slope value of 44.5 mV dec${}^{-1}$. All these factors are accountable for the improved OER activity and faster reaction kinetics. The material was characterized through XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XPS techniques.