Scheelite-type Fe substituted SrWO4 for hydrogen evolution reaction under alkaline conditions

Water splitting is a popular method to make hydrogen and oxygen gas, and it is one of the risen methods for overcoming energy shortage. Recently, the main challenge is to prepare the efficient materials at a low cost, earth-abundant, high durability, and catalytic action for water splitting applications. In this present work, the pristine and different molar concentrations of Fe doped SrWO4 was produced via simple co-precipitation technique. The high crystalline peak at 27.6 degrees explored (112) crystal plane confirmed the SrWO4 formation. In Raman spectra, active modes such as stretching and bending vibrations of [WO4]2- tetrahedron confirmed the existence of SrWO4. The flower-like morphology was briefly investigated by using SEM characterization. Moreover, the elements such as Sr, W, O and Fe were existed in proper ratio, which also confirmed the formation of SrWO4. The prepared electrocatalysts was tested by two different electrolytes such as 1 M KOH electrolyte and seawater + 1 M KOH electrolytes. In addition, electrochemical measurements of electrocatalysts prepared with and without Fe doping were characterized and compared. The overpotential of the prepared electrocatalysts including SW1, SW2 and SW3 were 206, 182, 154 mV (for alkaline electrolyte) and 261, 198, 172 mV (for alkaline natural seawater electrolyte). In both electrolytes, 0.02 M Fe doped SrWO4 explored outstanding HER action and high durability because of existence of elevated surface area and exclusive morphology. Hence, the present study recommends developing strontium based materials in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.

Automated summary

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped SrWO4 as an efficient catalyst for water splitting. The results demonstrate that the Fe-doped SrWO4 exhibits outstanding catalytic activity and durability in alkaline and seawater electrolytes.