Earth metal doped metal oxide nanomaterials as a potential candidate for energy conversion

The current study addresses the chemical coprecipitation approach for synthesizing ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Zeta potential analyses were employed to investigate the distribution of particle sizes, polydispersity, and stability within these systems. Rietveld refinement patterns unveiled the effective synthesis of the cubic-structured ZnFe2O4, devoid of any secondary phases. The outcomes showed the significant impact of the modification approach applied on the colloidal stability of the investigated nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirms that the band gap decreases, and absorption increases with doping. The photoluminescence spectroscopy of the samples revealed empty oxygen spaces and cracks in the structure had formed in the lattice. For electrocatalysis, 10% Ce doped ZnFe2O4 had an oxygen evolution reaction onset potential of 151 mV vs Ag/AgCl to obtain 10 mA/cm2 current density and the lowest Tafel slope of 35 mV/dec. Therefore, the strategic nanostructuring and design of nanomaterials incorporating earth metal-doped metal oxides are necessary to achieve superior electrochemical performance in their respective energy conversion applications.