The layered double
hydroxides (LDHs) have demonstrated significant
potential as non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution
reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Their unique compositional
and structural properties contribute to their efficiency and stability
as catalysts. In this study, CoCuFe-LDH composites were grown on graphene
(G) via a cost-effective and straightforward one-step hydrothermal
process. A 2-level full-factorial model was employed to determine
the impact of Co (1.5, 3, and 4.5 mmol) and graphene (10, 30, and
50 mg) concentrations on the onset potential of OER and HER, which
were the chosen response variables. OER and HER activity variabilities
were assessed in triplicate using Co[3]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[30] (central point), which were
determined at 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively. Statistical analyses
demonstrated that Co[4.5]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[10] and Co[1.5]Cu[3]Fe[3]-LDH/G[10] showed the lowest onset potential
at 1.52 V and −0.32 V (V vs RHE) for the OER and HER, respectively,
suggesting that a high cobalt concentration enhances OER performance,
while optimal HER catalysis was achieved with lower cobalt concentrations.
Moreover, the trimetallic composites exhibited good stability with
negligible loss of catalytic activity over 24 h.