Ni/Zr/Mn mixed metal oxides: “ternary junction” of phyto-inspired nanostructures for effective O₂ evolution

In this investigation, the leaf extract of Olea ferruginea royle was utilized to fabricate organic complexes of Ni (CH₃CO₂)₂₄H₂O, ZrO(CH₃COO)₂, and Mn (CH₃CO₂)₂₄H₂O, subsequently facilitating the successful preparation of nano-composites comprising NiO, ZrO₂, and Mn₃O₄. Various spectroscopic methodologies were employed to meticulously characterize the synthesized nano-composites. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic prowess of the material for the oxygen evolution process (OER) was assessed. With an onset potential of 1.71V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a remarkably low Tafel value of 81mV/dec, the observed performance closely mirrored that of chemically synthesized metal oxide-based catalysts. Extraordinary electro-catalytic activity is attributed to the combined action of the mixed metal oxides and the organic capping agents, which speed up charge transfer and increase the number of active sites. The present work offers valuable perspectives on environmentally friendly synthesis methods for producing high-performance electrode materials for water electrolysis. By employing plant-derived extracts and organic capping agents, this more ecologically friendly synthesis technique has potential for durable and efficient electrocatalysts in a range of energy conversion applications.