Design of a new nanocomposite based on Keggin-type [ZnW12O40]6− anionic cluster anchored on NiZn2O4 ceramics as a promising material towards the electrocatalytic hydrogen storage

TL;DR

A new nanocomposite material was developed for efficient hydrogen storage in energy applications.

Contribution

A novel Keggin-type anionic cluster anchored on NiZn2O4 ceramics was synthesized and shown to enhance electrocatalytic hydrogen storage.

Findings

The nanocomposite achieved a hydrogen discharge capacity of 340 mAh/g in the first cycle.

After 20 cycles, the discharge capacity increased to 900 mAh/g at a current density of 2 mA.

The material's surface area and electrocatalytic properties improve electron formation and ion diffusion.

Abstract

Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to developing electrode materials with high capacity to address the increasing complexities arising from the energy crisis. Herein, a new nanocomposite was synthesized via the sol–gel method by immobilizing K6ZnW12O40 within the surface of NiZn2O4. ZnW12O40@NiZn2O4 was characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA-DTG methods. The electrochemical characteristics of the materials were examined using cyclic voltammogram (CV) and charge–discharge chronopotentiometry (CHP) techniques. Multiple factors affecting the hydrogen storage capacity, including current density (j), surface area of the copper foam, and the consequences of repeated cycles of hydrogen adsorption–desorption were evaluated. The initial cycle led to an impressive hydrogen discharge capability of 340 mAh/g, which subsequently increased to 900 mAh/g after 20 cycles with a current density of 2 mA in 6.0 M KOH medium. The surface area and the electrocatalytic characteristics of the nanoparticles contribute to facilitate the formation of electrons and provide good diffusion channels for the movement of electrolyte ions throughout the charge–discharge procedure.

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