Solution-processed Sb2O3: A promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors and electrocatalysts

Abstract

Easy accessibility, wide range of redox states, affordable cost, and simple synthesis methods of metal oxides have gained a significant interest in the domains of electrochemical supercapacitors and electrocatalysts. The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) chemical synthesis approach has been introduced to preparing nanocrystalline antimony oxide (Sb2O3) for both energy storage and water splitting applications. The Sb2O3 electrode demonstrates a remarkable specific capacitance of 3011 F/g at a current density of 2 A/g in a 1 M solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH). The current design of the Sb2O3//Bi2O3 (bismuth oxide) asymmetric electrochemical supercapacitor device has endowed a specific capacitance of 391 F/g, a maximum energy density of 78.2 Wh/Kg at a power density of 1000 W/Kg, and an outstanding capacitance retention of 77 % even after 5000 redox cycles. The Sb2O3 electrode demonstrates outstanding performance in the oxygen evolution process at a current density of 10 mA cm2, with an overpotential of 206 mV. The Sb2O3 as an electrocatalyst also exhibits exceptional results in the hydrogen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 124 mV/dec. Both of these electrochemical processes are distinguished by the evolution of oxygen which is capable of facilitating the process of water splitting to obtain clean energy for day by day growing population.