Improvement in electrocatalytic behavior of hydrothermally prepared SrBi2O4 with g-CN toward OER activity

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel reservoirs has led to a serious concern related to the energy industry, with by-products generated from their combustion harming the environment. Hence, it is crucial to find an alternative to fossil fuels that has large reserves. The spinel is an efficient class that can provide reliable source of fuel by coupling with graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN). Herein, we hydrothermally developed the non-transition metal-based spinel with g-CN composite for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The resulting samples were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques. All characterizations verify the phase structure of the SrBi₂O₄/g-CN composite. The nitrogen (N₂) adsorption-desorption isotherm indicated a mesoporous structure based on the adsorption isotherm. In addition, the integration of unique-shaped nanoparticles decorated on graphitized carbon nitride nanosheets helps in reducing initial potentials for the OER procedure. Due to their unique mesoporous configuration, SrBi₂O₄/g-CN catalysts illustrate remarkable electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. The SrBi₂O₄/g-CN composite exhibited less overpotential (η) of 193 mV at current density (Cd) of 10 mA/cm² compared to SrBi₂O₄. The SrBi₂O₄/g-CN composite revealed remarkable durability and lesser Tafel value of 33 mV/dec. All of the outstanding results obtained from the electrochemical activity suggest as potential electrocatalyst and it can be employed in future energy conversion and water related applications.