Phyto‐synthesized ZnO/ZrO₂ binary oxide as a new electro‐catalyst for water splitting application ZnO/ZrO₂ for water splitting application

Abstract

Examining proficient electro‐catalyst from earth abundant and sustainable material is highly required for clean energy generation and a step toward fuel cell. In this study, ZnO/ZrO2 mixed metal oxide has been synthesized using organic chemicals in a straightforward and environmentally friendly manner. The greener routes are not only employed for the synthesis of nano structured material but they also improve the charge transfer properties of material in term of high surface area. The as prepared nano‐oxides were probed for phase structure, morphology, surface chemistry and optical properties by spectroscopic techniques. The embedded phyto‐functionalized compounds in the prepared nano‐material were probed by FTIR and GC–MS demonstrating the phyto‐functionalization of ZnO/ZrO2 nanomaterial. Thereafter, effects of functionalization were observed on the electrochemical behavior of synthesized material. The electrochemical investigation revealed remarkable catalytic activity of fabricated ZnO/ZrO2 with small overpotential and Tafel slope for current density of 10 mA cm−2. Therefore, current work demonstrated the promising electrocatalytic potential of fabricated mixed metal oxide and paved a cost effective and efficient organic template to synthesize binary or ternary mixed oxide with enhanced electrocatalytic properties.