Highly efficient overall water splitting performance of gadolinium-indium-zinc ternary oxide nanostructured electrocatalyst

Abstract

Metal oxide nanostructures gain specific interest for bifunctional electrocatalytic functions in efficient water splitting reactions. From this perspective, Gd-In-Zn-based ternary oxides were solution processed and studied for oxygen and hydrogen evolution activities under different pH alkaline media. The nanostructure morphology was ascertained using high-power analytical tools such as scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Signals obtained from X-ray diffraction data revealed the prevalence of Gd2O3 phase in ternary oxide. Valence state of Gd, In, and Zn ions and their oxide traits was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ternary oxides of Gd-In-Zn showcased their overall potential for water splitting applications. Overpotential (eta) for oxygen and hydrogen (OER/HER) evolution reactions was recorded to be 282 and 271 mV for +/- 10 mA/cm(2). The results demonstrated the processed oxide as an effective OER/HER electrocatalyst with profound Tafel slopes (121/64 mV/dec for OER/HER) and excellent long-term stability.