Zn–Co nanoferrite electrocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen and oxygen generation

Overview

Water splitting is one route to clean hydrogen, and how efficient it is depends heavily on the electrocatalyst. This study looks at zinc–cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as catalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution.

A series of Zn₁₋ₓCoₓFe₂O₄ nanoferrites was prepared hydrothermally, with FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirming the synthesis and a cubic spinel structure. Their catalytic behaviour was measured with linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Compositions richer in cobalt performed best, pointing to cobalt-rich nanoferrites as practical catalysts for clean hydrogen production.

Key Findings

• —Zn₁₋ₓCoₓFe₂O₄ nanoferrites synthesised hydrothermally; FTIR and XRD confirm a cubic spinel structure.
• —Catalytic performance measured by Tafel slope, overpotential and onset potential, with impedance spectroscopy for charge transfer.
• —The cobalt-rich ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) gave the strongest oxygen evolution: charge-transfer resistance 2.1 Ω, onset potential 1.51 V, overpotential 280 mV and a Tafel slope of 65 mV/dec.
• —Higher cobalt content makes these nanoferrites efficient catalysts for water splitting.

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