Facile synthesis of CeSe2@CNs nanostructure for enhanced water oxidation

Using a hydrothermal technique, we created a composite of cerium selenide incorporated carbon nanospheres (CeSe2@CNs) nanocomposite. The carbon nanospheres and CeSe2 agglomerated nanorods were also created for comparison studies. X-rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm are all utilized to describe the produced samples. The CeSe2 nanorods were introduced into the microporous hollow carbon nanospheres to create amorphous textured integrated CeSe2@CNs. This increased the intrinsic activity of CeSe2@CNs for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) along with the active electrocatalytic surface area. OER in 1 M KOH alkaline solution can be initiated by the highly applied electrocatalyst CeSe2@CNs at 1.51V vs RHE, and 10 mAcm−2 was obtained at 298 mV overpotential. Additionally, at 315 mV and 335 mV overpotentials, it was able to attain greater current densities of 50 and 80 mAcm−2. As opposed to this, integrated composite CeSe2@CNs have amazing stability and durability and can continuously produce O2 gas bubbles for 10 h without any deterioration in current density for constant 1000 CV cycles. [Display omitted] •The CeSe2@CNs fabricated via solid state reaction method for OER.•The CeSe2@CNs nanohybrid show a good morphology with voids for easy transfer of electrons.•CeSe2@CNs show OER, which can be initiated by applied electrocatalyst at 1.51V vs RHE in 1 M KOH alkaline solution.•At a current density of 10 mAcm−2 the obtained overpotential was 289 mV, and have high stability for 10 h, and 1000 CV cycle.