α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂: A Dual-Functional Material for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting and Supercapacitor Applications

This study explores the functionality of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ (BMO) as an electrocatalyst for water splitting and its suitability for supercapacitor applications. BMO was synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized in pre-calcination [BMO (BC)], post-calcination [BMO (AC)], and base-etched forms [BMO (BE)]. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ with well-defined crystallographic planes. Electrochemical analysis revealed that BMO (AC) exhibited the lowest overpotential for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and BMO (BC) exhibited the lowest overpotential for oxygen evolution reactions (OER), indicating its superior electrocatalytic activity. The Tafel slope and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results confirmed the superior kinetics and charge transfer properties of BMO material. Furthermore, BMO samples demonstrated excellent stability during prolonged chronoamperometry (CA) testing for 12 h. For supercapacitor performances, the BMO (BE) exhibits a superior specific capacitance value of 398 F/g at 2.0 A/g. Thus, the BMO material delivers prominent electrocatalytic activity as well as supercapacitor performance. Overall, this study demonstrates the potentiality of α-Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂ in different forms as a dual-functional material for efficient energy storage and conversion.