Engineered CeO2–carbon nanocomposites for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The CeO₂ impregnated carbon nanocomposite was fabricated using the simple ultrasonic dispersion method. The confirmation of elemental, structural and surface properties blended in the materials were investigated by various analytical techniques including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TGA, BET, XPS and RAMAN spectroscopy. The porous nature of the material shows substantial increase in the catalytic activity thereby enhancing the reactivity of oxygen evolution at anode. The electrochemical measurements (Linear sweep voltammetry and Cyclic voltammetry) of the electrocatalyst show overpotential value of 350 mV and the computed Tafel slope value of 89 mV dec⁻¹ at the current density of 10 mA/cm² which makes CeO₂–Carbon nano catalyst as an excellent material for electrocatalytic OER activity. The electrochemical surface activity (ECSA) determined which shows the efficient deposition of aqueous electrolyte molecules on the surface of the electroactive material resulting in optimal concentration.