Exploring the synergistic power: Green synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and unveiling the energy generation and storage aptitude of phyto-mediated Sb2O3-ZrO2 nanocomposite

Abstract

Background

Researchers are keen to reduce the over potential value through fabrication of electrocatalyst consisted of environmentally benign and inexpensive material. Supercapacitors on the other hand have gained immense attention in recent years as an energy storage device due to the high power density potential of these devices as compared to conventional batteries based storage system.

Aim

The research aims to synthesize nanoscale transition metal oxides (TMO) through green route. TMO based nanomaterials have vast role in energy related applications.

Materials & methods

In this study, organic compounds of A. Viridis were used as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of binary nanocomposite Sb₂O₃–ZrO₂. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrode material was analyzed for supercapacitor potential using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge techniques. HER and OER studies were also conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The synthesized material was also tested for stability.

Results & discussion

The crystal size was 15.9 nm. Optical band gap of 2.55 eV was obtained through Tauc plot. The capacitance value of 339.8 F/g at 2 mV/s and the specific capacitance of 100.6 F/g was obtained at 1 A/g. The overpotential value of 201 mV and Tafel value of 121 mV/dec was recorded for the HER, whereas the lower Tafel value of 106 mV/dec and over potential value of 383 mV was determined for OER. Electrode showed promising stability up to various cycles in case of both applications.

Conclusion

The obtained results revealed the promising performance with excellent stability of fabricated electrode for super capacitor as well as water splitting studies.