Octylamine mediated growth of europium doped silver selenide nanoparticles as a superior electrode material for electrochemical applications

Abstract

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of europium-doped silver selenide (Eu–Ag₂Se) nanoparticles along with their application in electrochemical studies. The nanoparticles are synthesized via a hydrothermal method using silver, selenide and europium as precursors in the environment of octylamine solution. Comprehensive structural, morphological, and functional analyses are performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Electrochemical performance i.e., in supercapacitors and glucose sensors, is assessed through electrochemical experiments like cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It has been observed that Europium doping significantly enhanced the specific capacitance, achieving 337.8 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.14 A g⁻¹, with an energy density of 8.4 W h kg⁻¹ and a power density of 29.9 W kg⁻¹. Additionally, the materials exhibited excellent cyclic stability, retaining 93% of their initial capacitance after 6000 cycles. Similarly, the sensitivity of the Eu–Ag₂Se nanoparticles is calculated as 0.52 μA μM⁻¹cm⁻² in the linear range having good stability, selectivity and reproducibility. These results highlight the potential of Eu–Ag₂Se nanoparticles as a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems and glucose sensing applications.