Mg and Cr doped ZnO nanoparticles for oxygen evaluation reaction

This study introduces an innovative approach to developing low-cost materials for renewable energy technologies by synthesizing a novel series of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based nanoparticles, including chromium-doped zinc oxide (ZnOCr) and magnesium-chromium co-doped zinc oxide (ZnOCr-Mg), via the solution combustion method. The novelty of this work lies in the strategic co-doping of ZnO with both Cr and Mg, a combination not extensively explored in the field of electrocatalysis for Oxygen Evolution Reactions (OER). By leveraging this co-doping strategy, the structural, morphological, and electrocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles were systematically analyzed using techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA). Among the tested variants, ZnOCr-Mg:5 exhibited a significantly lower overpotential and superior stability, maintaining its catalytic performance over 18,000 s, thus outperforming traditional ZnO catalysts. These findings highlight the synergistic effects of Cr and Mg doping, showcasing ZnOCr-Mg:5 as a highly efficient and durable catalyst for OER, offering a novel and scalable solution for advancing sustainable energy technologies.