A Novel Ag-MgFe2O4 nanocomposite based hydroelectric cell: Green energy source illuminating the future

Abstract

Hydroelectric cells demonstrate their capacity to produce electricity via the dissociation of water molecules, eliminating the requirement of electrolytes. The objective of this research is to synthesize Ag-MgFe2O4 nanocomposite using low-cost method and to study the green electricity generation by hydroelectric cell via the dissociation of water molecules. The nanocomposite displayed a cubic crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of about 29 nm, as determined by XRD. The lattice strain and crystal defects resulted from the insertion of the Ag in spinel ferrite from the W-H plot. The theoretical porosity of 54 % was further evaluated by XRD analysis and visually confirmed by FESEM imaging. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed functional groups present in ferrite observed from 428 cm−1 to 3450 cm−1 spectra. Strong water absorption near 3450 cm−1 showed materials sensitivity to water. FESEM imaging displayed the morphology, revealing porous grains with an average size of 93 nm. BET analysis of the prepared nanocomposite confirmed mesoporosity within the nanocomposite. Photoluminescence study confirmed radiative defects and oxygen deficiencies, as evidenced by emitted light maximum at 483 nm and broad peak from 456 nm to 526 nm. The voltage-current (V-I) polarization diagram for the Ag- MgFe2O4 nanocomposite-based hydroelectric cell showed an offload current of 18 mA, an open circuit voltage of 1.404 V, and an output power of 25.27 mW. In this context, the hydroelectric cell based on Ag- MgFe2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated increased porosity, radiative defects, and oxygen vacancies, all contributing to efficient water molecule dissociation for power generation. This represents a significant development in sustainable energy and highlights the practical possibilities of clean and renewable resources.