Erbium doped samarium oxide nanoballs functionalized cluster surface as a robust electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial energy-storing and energy-changing half-process in water splitting. It is critical to expand the availability of renewable energy reservoirs, and effective electrodes must be robust and possess a high level of catalytic activity. However, it is difficult to eliminate overpotential and improve the performance of OER. In this study, Erbium (Er)-doped samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃) was synthesized by a facile co-precipitation technique. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, it was determined that a Sm₂O₃ cubic structure was formed when sharp peaks were observed. Using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) pictures, the existence of Sm₂O₃ crystals was detected and surface geometry was observed. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the successful Er doping in Sm₂O₃. The OER activities of pure Sm₂O₃ and Sm₂O₃ coupled with Er were determined using electrochemical. In comparison to pure Sm₂O₃, a high amount of Er-doped Sm₂O₃ possessed a low overpotential (365 mV for the OER) and a small Tafel slope (47 mV/dec). Consequently, OER became extremely active, metal oxide's structure and catalytic capabilities were altered by inclusion of rare earth metals. Erbium is an essential component when doped in Sm₂O₃ that improves the performance of OER. Among all 2% Er doped Sm₂O₃ is an excellent material for energy conversion.