Microwave fostered sustainable synthesis of Nb2O5 – ZnO nanomaterial for efficiency amplification in high performing energy systems

This study presents the first report on the microwave approach combined with improved sustainable synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) and niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) to generate Nb₂O5 – ZnO nanospheres. Following the development of nanospheres, the band gap energy decreased to 3.25 eV, and the average crystallite size was found to be 62.49 nm. The nanospheres had a mixed crystalline phase of hexagonal and orthogonal crystals. This material has demonstrated a predisposition towards hydrogen production in the electro-catalytic tests, with a minimal overpotential (η_HER) and a Tafel slope values of 127 mV and 125.6 mV dec⁻¹. Furthermore, nanospheres decorated electrode remained intact in electrolyte environment for 1500 min and exhibited profound charge storage of 204.93 F g⁻¹ 15 % PV efficiency was attained by the air-processed perovskite solar cell thanks to the interface passivation functionality. The commendable performance of the binary Nb₂O₅ – ZnO nanospheres have validated their prospects for practical applications.