Energy storage, sensors, photocatalytic applications of green synthesized ZnO: Fe3+ nanomaterials

Abstract

ZnO nanomaterials doped with Fe3+ ions at concentrations ranging from 1 % to 7 % were synthesized using an environmentally friendly combustion technique. These materials were then analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Visible DRS). The resulting crystallite size was determined to be between 20 nm and 25 nm. By applying the Kubelka-Munk function, the band gap was calculated and found to vary from 2.55 eV to 2.99 eV. For the investigation of electrochemical properties, modified carbon paste electrodes containing ZnO: Fe3+ (1–7 mol%) were subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Notably, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) electrode demonstrated promising characteristics for supercapacitor applications. This same electrode was also utilized for detecting paracetamol and glucose at concentrations ranging from 1 mM to 5 mM using CV and chronoamperometry techniques, underscoring its potential as an electrochemical sensor. Moreover, the photocatalytic capability of ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial was assessed through the degradation of Methylene Blue and Acid Orange-8 dyes. The results were impressive, with this particular photocatalyst achieving 94.45 % degradation of Methylene Blue and 96.29% degradation of acid orange-8 dye. These outcomes validate its efficacy for applications in photocatalytic dye degradation. In conclusion, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial synthesized via environmentally friendly means exhibits substantial promise for diverse applications in electrochemical and photocatalytic domains.

Keywords

• ZnO
• Multifunctional applications
• Cyclic voltammetry
• Chronoamperometry
• Photocatalytic degradation
• Methylene blue