Multi-phase CuBi_2O_4@CuO@α-Bi_2O_3 nanocomposite electrocatalyst for electrochemical water splitting application

摘要

Novel PVP supported multi-phase nanocomposite electrocatalysts has been synthesized by one step solvothermal route. Successful attempting of achieving multi-phase CuBi_2O_4@CuO@α-Bi_2O_3 nanocomposite electrocatalyst has been confirmed by well-built diffraction peaks obtained through XRD. Phonon vibration modes, oxygen defects and metal-oxygen vibrations present in the nanocomposite has been confirmed by Raman, PL and FTIR studies. The estimation of optical band gap for CuBi_2O_4@CuO@α-Bi_2O_3 nanocomposite was 1.77 eV. The rice like nanoparticle morphology has been examined by SEM images. The multi-phase formation and growth mechanism achieved by PVP linkaging agent has been discussed. The maximum oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of CuBi_2O_4@CuO@α-Bi_2O_3 nanocomposite achieved as 0.14 mA/g with lowest over potential of 135 mV/decade and the excellent stability over 3h with 0.2 mA/g current density. From this report, we have strongly recommended that PVP capping agent is the most suitable surfactant for highly active multiphase nanocomposite electrocatalyst rather than single phase binary metal oxides for electrochemical water splitting application.