Α‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Embedded in a g‐C3N4 Nanocomposite: Optical, Magnetic and Electrochemical Study. Issue 42 (10th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dutta, Shubhamita; Jana, Tushar K.; Maiti, Ramaprasad; De, Kalyanashis; Chatterjee, Kuntal
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 6:Issue 42(2021)
• Page Start: 11759
• Page End: 11767
• Publication Date: 2021-11-10
• Subjects: Electrochemistry -- Magnetic properties -- Nanocomposites -- Oxygen reduction reaction; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.202102739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: The development of low‐cost and high‐efficient electrocatalysts with multifunctionality by nanocomposite formation is an emerging route for addressing sustainable energy issues. This study reports the nanocomposite of α‐Fe2 O3 nanoparticles embedded in g‐C3 N4 nanosheets synthesized by a facile chemical route. The synthesized nanocomposite was examined for structural, chemical, and morphological details. The optical study of the sample exhibits the potential capability of photon capture and electron‐hole separation towards photo‐excited applications. Magnetic study of the α‐Fe2 O3 /g‐C3 N4 nanocomposite reveals that composite formation does not possess characteristic blocking temperature as present in bare α‐Fe2 O3 nanoparticles at 62 K accompanying enhancement of remanent magnetization and coercivity at 5 K.The prepared nanocomposite was tested for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an alkaline medium and it exhibited appreciable catalytic performance with considerable methanol tolerance and excellent durability. It also reveals that the composite catalyzes ORR by two steps: first by two‐electron transfer and then immediately by 4‐electron direct pathway resulting in complete reduction of oxygen to water. Abstract : α‐Fe2 O3 nanoparticles embedded in g‐C3 N4 nanosheets were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Structural, chemical, and morphological details of the α‐Fe2 O3 /g‐C3 N4 nanocomposite are revealed. The optical study exhibits considerable absorption of photons and efficient separation of electron‐hole pairs. Embedded α‐Fe2 O3 in g‐C3 N4 nanosheet affects spin dynamics compared to bare α‐Fe2 O3 resulting in magnetic novelties. Most importantly excellent electrocatalytic performance of α‐Fe2 O3 /g‐C3 N4 nanocomposite towards oxygen reduction (ORR) reaction in alkaline medium has been demonstrated.