Synthesis of Binary Metal Ferrite Nanoparticles (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O3) and their Application in Piezo-Photo Catalytic Studies

Abstract

Utilizing strain induced polarization to amplify the performance of photocatalytic water splitting systems has garnered significant attention. However, achieving efficient charge separation, high underwater suspension efficiency and sustained cyclic stability remains a persistent challenge. In this study we employed co-precipitation technique to synthesize nanoparticles of ZnFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and their binary composite Zn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4. We report 22% increase in H2 evolution with our synthesized composite. After introduction of simultaneous photo and piezoelectric potential by using ultrasonicator H2 evolution is much enhanced 494 μmol/g-h surpassing individual piezo catalysis 232 μmol/g-h and photo catalysis 298 μmol/g-h. Additionally, catalyst demonstrates remarkable performance without any sacrificial agent further highlighting its exceptional potential. Moreover, we also uncover Zn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 role in demonstrating promising efficiency for the generation of hydrogen (𝐻2) and oxygen (𝑂2) as well owing to its huge potential for electrocatalytic water splitting. This work was supported by performing electrochemical testings in which Zn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 retained 94% in chronoamperometry test proving itself a a bifunctional water-splitting electrolyzer that can act efficiently as both OER and HER electrodes. Promising results were revealed by these electrochemical studies, confirming the presence of a spinel crystal structure within the nanoparticles, indicative of excellent electrochemical performance. This work provides an insight into harnessing and designing ingenuous composites for efficient and stable piezo photo catalysts and HER/OER electrode for efficient and stable water splitting systems.