Development of sphere-shaped bimetallic Ti0.5Sr0.5O3 as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting performance in alkaline media

Abstract

Developing low-cost, highly active electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting is crucial for decreasing the demand for energy in the future. Water splitting has been addressed as a feasible option for storing electrical energy. Researchers are interested in designing non-toxic, high-performance, and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, spherical structured Ti_0.5Sr_0.5O₃ catalysts, which are materials made from titanium and strontium oxides, are produced using a simple solid-state technique. XRD, Raman, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS, and FT-IR spectroscopy were performed to confirm the crystal structure, morphology, and element composition of the Ti_0.5Sr_0.5O₃. In alkaline electrolyte 1.0 M KOH solution, Ti_0.5Sr_0.5O₃/NF has good OER activity, with an overpotential and a Tafel slope of 299 mV and 152.5 mV dec⁻¹, respectively. It also exhibits strong HER activity, with overpotential and a Tafel slope of 101.6 mV and 179 mV dec⁻¹, respectively. The present research employs an innovative development approach for a low-cost, highly efficient water-splitting catalyst that aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7 for affordable and clean energy.