Oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and photoluminescence studies of zinc stannate (ZnSnO3/Zn2SnO4) nanoparticles synthesized via [formula omitted] mediated route

Abstract

A groundbreaking method utilizing Aloebarbadensismiller gel to synthesize novel zinc stannate nanoparticles in two distinct phases, followed by calcination at 600 °C, has been developed. Structural, optical, and electrochemical analyses were meticulously conducted to explore the impact of phase variation. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of face-centered perovskite and inverse spinel cubic structures for ZnSnO3 and Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles respectively, with irregular sizes and shapes observed in both phases. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed their purity. Tauc’s plot revealed direct energy band gaps of 3.45 eV and 3.4 eV for ZnSnO3 and Zn2SnO4 respectively, with photoluminescence emission spectra displaying distinct peaks at 646 nm and 647 nm. The study identified higher defect levels in the inverse spinel structure. Notably, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited promising characteristics for light-emitting diodes and display technology, with color-correlated temperatures (6810 and 6695 K) suggesting their potential application. Furthermore, the nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable performance in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) studies, with low overpotentials (η10) in the range of 269 mV and 273 mV along with a minimal Tafel slope of 76 mV dec−1 and stable electrochemical behavior over 45 h at a current density of 20 mA/cm2, indicating their efficacy as electrocatalysts. The current work unveils the novel synthesis of zinc stannate nanoparticles through an Aloebarbadensismiller gel, a method that stands out for its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. We delve into uncharted territory by investigating these nanoparticles’ oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and photoluminescence properties, shedding light on their potential applications in energy conversion and sensing technologies. This pioneering study contributes to the understanding of zinc stannate nanoparticles’ behavior, paving the way for transformative advancements in various fields.