Facile eggplant assisted mixed metal oxide nanostructures: A promising electrocatalyst for water oxidation in alkaline media

Abstract

In terms of efficiency and availability for electrochemical water splitting (EWS), producing electrocatalytic material for hydrogen (H2) fuel remains a difficulty. Furthermore, developing and producing low-cost, non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for practical use is a global priority for researchers. Significant overpotential, low conductivity, and increased density are still factors to consider for alkaline water oxidation. We present here coprecipitated alumina (Al2O3) and eggplant-based cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanostructures as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The as-prepared electrocatalyst offers active sites, enhanced electrical conductivity, and durability in the direction of OER. The desired electrocatalyst show lower overpotential value of 245 mV vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at a current density of 20 mA/cm2, a Tafel slope of 64 mV/dec, and stable electrochemical performance for 45 h as a result of a longer electrochemical activity. These findings suggest that this mixed metal oxide (nanostructures)-based electrocatalyst is a viable, active, and stable element for use in energy storage and conversion applications.