High Electrochemical Performance and Photocatalytic Activity in Multicomponent Nanostructured (CuZnNiCoMg)O

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• High-entropy oxides (HEOs) offer unique properties for sustainable energy applications.
• Tuning HEO composition is key to optimizing their performance.
• Magnesium (Mg) incorporation is explored for property enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrochemical and photocatalytic potential of (CuZnNiCoMg)O HEO.
• To evaluate the role of Mg in enhancing the properties of (CuZnNiCo)O HEO.
• To compare the performance of (CuZnNiCoMg)O and (CuZnNiCo)O for energy storage and dye degradation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of (CuZnNiCo)O and (CuZnNiCoMg)O HEOs.
• Formation of cubic rocksalt structure at different calcination temperatures (1473 K for (CuZnNiCo)O, 1173 K for (CuZnNiCoMg)O).
• Electrochemical measurements (specific capacitance) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB).

Main Results:

• (CuZnNiCoMg)O achieved the cubic rocksalt phase at a lower temperature (1173 K) than (CuZnNiCo)O (1473 K).
• Specific capacitance values: 276.69 Fg⁻¹ for (CuZnNiCoMg)O and 257.88 Fg⁻¹ for (CuZnNiCo)O.
• (CuZnNiCoMg)O showed higher MB degradation efficiency (81.14%) compared to (CuZnNiCo)O (64.16%) in one hour.

Conclusions:

• Magnesium incorporation significantly enhances the structural and functional properties of HEOs.
• (CuZnNiCoMg)O exhibits superior performance in both energy storage (specific capacitance) and environmental remediation (photocatalysis).
• This Mg-enhanced HEO shows great promise for multifunctional applications in sustainable energy and pollution control.