Synthesis of ZrO2-NdO-based mixed nanomaterial using green capping agent and its functionalization as electrode material for energy devices: Pseudo capacitors and water splitting

Abstract

This study investigates the environmentally friendly synthesis of ZrO₂-NdO mixed nanomaterial using green reducing and capping agents derived from the plant Amaranthus viridis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the mixed nanomaterial, revealing an optical band gap of 2.5 eV. The morphology was characterized by spherical-shaped particles with an average size ranging from 66 to 77 nm. The synthesized ZrO₂-NdO mixed nanomaterial was evaluated for its potential application as an electrode material in energy devices, specifically for pseudocapacitors and water splitting studies. Electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) techniques. Notably, a specific capacitance of 573.5 F/g was achieved through CV at a scan rate of 2 mV/s. Fabricated electrocatalyst was further analyzed for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and the results showed better over potential value of 164 mV for HER studies. The stability analysis further endorsed the large-scale commercialization possibility of ZrO-NdO-based electrode material.