Copper molybdate nanoparticles for electrochemical water splitting application

Abstract

Two different phases of copper molybdate nanoparticles such as Cu3Mo2O9 and Cu6Mo5O18 were synthesized through schematic hydrothermal treatment. The obtained product morphology was explored by using surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The structural, optical, vibrational and morphological properties were confirmed employing standard characterization techniques. Rectangular nanoflakes of the obtained product were confirmed by employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern confirms obtained product crystalline nature. The better morphology controlled sample gives higher 227 mA/g current density at 10 mV/s and small 184 V overpotential. Long duration stability over 16 h was exhibited by Cu6Mo5O18 electrode. Hence, Cu6Mo5O18 electrode shows better electrochemical activity with stunning low overpotential. It would be suggested that PVP surfactant is quite optimum to produce efficient Cu6Mo5O18 catalysts for electrochemical water splitting applications.