Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 Nanocatalysts for the Electrochemical Water Oxidation Process

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted nanocatalyst preparation was succeeded by employing a controlled solvothermal route to produce efficient electrodes for electrochemical water-splitting applications. Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 nanocatalysts have been confirmed through the strong signature of (113) and (111) crystal planes, respectively. The binding natures of Bi–W–O and Fe–W–O have been thoroughly discussed by employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy which confirmed the formation of Bi2WO6 and FeWO4. The freestanding nanoplate array morphology of Bi2WO6 and the fine nanosphere particle morphology of FeWO4 nanocatalysts were revealed by scanning electron microscopy images. With these confirmations, the fabrication of durable, long-term electrodes for electrochemical water splitting has been subjected to efficient oxidation of water, confirmed by obtaining 2.79 and 1.96 mA/g for 0.5 g PVP-assisted Bi2WO6 and FeWO4 nanocatalysts, respectively. The water oxidation mechanism of both nanocatalysts has been revealed w...