Exploiting multiferroicity of TbFeO3 nanoparticles for hydrogen generation through photo/electro/photoelectro-catalytic water splitting

Hydrogen is a potential future energy source that could replace conventional fuel and provide the necessary energy. Multiferroic materials are the most likely choices for water splitting due to their ferroelectric characteristics and ability to function as magnetically recoverable catalysts. Multiferroic terbium orthoferrite nanoparticles were synthesized at low temperature by the polymeric citrate precursor route to study the photocatalytic, electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activity towards hydrogen production. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed successful formation of orthorhombic TbFeO3 nanoparticles. A larger aspect ratio of 3.9 and a bandgap of 2.13 eV were seen in the elongated TbFeO3 nanoparticles, which contributes to the photo/electro-catalytic activity. Magnetic and ferroelectric studies revealed weak ferromagnetism and ferroelectric polarization of 0.037 mC cm-2 in TbFeO3 nanoparticles, confirming multiferroicity. Visibly active and multiferroic TbFeO3 nanoparticles showed notable hydrogen evolution of

Automated summary

Multiferroic terbium orthoferrite nanoparticles obtained through a polymeric citrate precursor route exhibit photocalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrochemical activity towards hydrogen production. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the successful formation of orthorhombic TbFeO3 nanoparticles with a larger aspect ratio of 3.9 and a bandgap of 2.13 eV, contributing to their photo/electro-catalytic activity. Magnetic and ferroelectric studies confirm weak ferromagnetism and ferroelectric polarization of 0.037 mC cm-2 in TbFeO3 nanoparticles, confirming their multiferroic properties. The visibly active and multiferroic TbFeO3 nanoparticles show notable hydrogen evolution.