Harnessing the potential of MOF/Fe2O3 nanocomposite within polypyrrole matrix for enhanced hydrogen evolution

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 507; p. 145157
• Main Authors: Saadh, Mohamed J., Jasim, Dheyaa J., Alejandro, L., Saraswat, Shelesh Krishna, Arévalo, Christian Giovanni Flores, Brito, Néstor Augusto Estrada, Zainul, Rahadian, Hasan, Mohd Abul, Islam, Saiful
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 10.12.2024
• Subjects: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Linear sweep voltammetry; MOF/Fe2O3 nanocomposite; Polypyrrole; Linear sweep voltammetry; Hydrogen evolution reaction; MOF/Fe2O3 nanocomposite; Polypyrrole; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0013-4686
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2024.145157

This study investigates the influence of pyrrole concentration and the addition of MIL53(Al)/Fe2O3 nanocomposite on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of polypyrrole (PPy) electrocatalysts. Electrodeposition of PPy on a nickel (Ni) substrate was conducted using various pyrrole concentrations ranging from 0.01 M to 0.2 M, followed by evaluation through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) experiments. Results indicated that PPy synthesized with 0.1 M pyrrole exhibited the highest HER activity, characterized by lower onset potential and higher current density. Additionally, the incorporation of MIL53(Al)/Fe2O3 nanocomposite into PPy coating enhanced electrode performance, evidenced by high charge transfer kinetics. Nyquist diagrams and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis confirmed accelerated electron transfer kinetics and lower charge transfer resistance for PPy@MIL53(Al)/Fe2O3 compared to Ni substrate. Despite a lower electrochemical double layer capacitance (Cdl), PPy@MIL53(Al)/Fe2O3 demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity, underscoring the importance of electrode morphology and active site characteristics. Furthermore, stability tests revealed consistent performance of PPy@MIL53(Al)/Fe2O3 over prolonged electrolysis periods, highlighting its potential for practical applications in hydrogen generation.