Bioinspired synthesis of ZrO2-Zr3Er4O12-based mixed nanomaterial; characterization and analyzing its potential as an electrode material in energy-based devices and its electrocatalytic property

Abstract

The sustainable and ecofriendly synthesis of transition metal oxide-based nanomaterials has always been a matter of concern. In this study, a bioinspired synthesis route was adopted to synthesize ZrO₂-Zr₃Er₄O₁₂-based mixed nanomaterial using leaf extract of medicinal plant Amaranthus viridis as reducing and stabilizing agent in replacement of the obnoxious chemicals which are a great threat to the sustainable environment. The synthesized material revealed the spherical shaped morphology through scanning electron microscopy, whereas crystal size of 15.7 nm was observed through Xray-diffraction, and band gap value of 2.7 eV was acquired using Tauc plot. Newly synthesized ZrO₂-Zr₃Er₄O₁₂ nanocomposite was then investigated for its role as electrocatalyst in a generation of energy through the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. The ZrO₂-Zr₃Er₄O₁₂-based electrocatalyst showed better potential for hydrogen evolution reaction measurements with the overpotential value of 242 mV. Furthermore, the notable capacitance value of 495.6 F/g was obtained through cyclic voltammetry for energy storage studies. The cyclic stability was also analyzed using linear sweep voltammetry and results showed promising stability for 2000 cycles. Consequently, the green and economical synthesis route as well as promising electrochemical behavior of ZrO₂-Zr₃Er₄O₁₂-based electrode make it feasible choice for large scale application.