Electro-catalyst [ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NPs green functionalization: Fabrication, characterization and water splitting potential assessment

Present investigation reports the biomimetic synthesis of mixed metallic oxides nanoparticles (NPs) comprising of zirconia, zinc oxide and palladium oxide ([ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NPs) functionalized via nature's bio-factories for the first time. [ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NPs express reduction revealed via Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. X-ray diffraction express poly-crystallinity. The fabrication of green NPs is confirmed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with irregular morphologies visible by scanning electron micrographs. A direct bandgap of 2.11 eV is obtained for [ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NPs. Promising surficial features are disclosed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electro-catalytic potential is studied using linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for investigation of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities with low over-potential of 0.37 V and Tafel slope of 74 mV/ dec, indicating the suitability for OER. [ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NP electro-catalyst is also tested for HER, demonstrating remarkable results with the overpotential and Tafel slope value of 157 mV and 151 mV/dec. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports the biomimetic synthesis of mixed metallic oxides nanoparticles functionalized via nature's bio-factories for the first time. The nanoparticles show promising electro-catalytic potential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities, with low over-potential and suitable Tafel slope values. The research demonstrates the potential of [ZrO2/ZnO/PdO]-NP electro-catalyst for energy-related applications.