Erbium doped samarium oxide nanoballs functionalized cluster surface as a robust electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial energy-storing and energy-changing half-process in water splitting. It is critical to expand the availability of renewable energy reservoirs, and effective electrodes must be robust and possess a high level of catalytic activity. However, it is difficult to eliminate overpotential and improve the performance of OER. In this study, Erbium (Er)-doped samarium oxide (Sm2O3) was synthesized by a facile co-precipitation technique. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, it was determined that a Sm2O3 cubic structure was formed when sharp peaks were observed. Using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) pictures, the existence of Sm2O3 crystals was detected and surface geometry was observed. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the successful Er doping in Sm2O3. The OER activities of pure Sm2O3 and Sm2O3 coupled with Er were determined using electrochemical. In comparison to pure Sm2O3, a high amount of Er-doped Sm2O3 possessed a low overpotential (365 mV for the OER) and a small Tafel slope (47 mV/dec). Consequently, OER became extremely active, metal oxide's structure and catalytic capabilities were altered by inclusion of rare earth metals. Erbium is an essential component when doped in Sm2O3 that improves the performance of OER. Among all 2% Er doped Sm2O3 is an excellent material for energy conversion.