Biomimetic [MoO3@ZnO] semiconducting nanocomposites: Chemo-proportional fabrication, characterization and energy storage potential exploration

• Published in: Renewable energy 2021-04, Vol.167, p.568-579
• Main Authors: Shaheen, Irum, Ahmad, Khuram Shahzad, Jaffri, Shaan Bibi, Ali, Daoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrode; Environment; Green chemistry; Metal oxides; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.11.115

Current work reports the first investigation on the nanocomposites of molybdenum and zinc oxide [MoO3@ZnO] synthesized via chemosynthetic and biomimetic routes. Chemosynthetic and biomimetic MoO3@ZnO nanocomposites expressed a direct band gap of 4.5 and 3.5 eV, explored via ultraviolet spectrophotometry capped with organic functional groups shown by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Polycrystalline patterns expressing average crystallite sizes of 36.9 and 22.5 nm for nanocomposites were revealed by X-ray diffraction. Nanocomposites expressed capsule and spherical shapes shown by field emission scanning electron micrographs with strong signals for Mo, Zn and O shown via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy revealed the successful synthesis of the MoO3@ZnO nanocomposite. Electrochemical studies included cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Redox peaks revealed the pseudo-capacitive behavior shown. EIS Nyquist plot with an arc radius pointed the existence of resistance mechanism arising from interfacial layer taking place at the electrode MoO3@ZnO nanocomposite surficial region with charge transfer resistance Rct of = 22.02 Ω. The semi-conducting and capacitive behavior of the biogenic nanocomposite makes it a future candidate for utilization in solar cells and other photovoltaic devices marked by profound sustainability, eco-friendliness, economic viability and scalability in comparison to environmentally damaging chemosynthetic solvo-thermal pathway. [ [Display omitted] ] •Novel metal oxide nanocomposites were fabricated.•Ficus palmata reduced MoO3@ZnO nanocomposites first report.•Auspicious UV–Vis, FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, Raman analytical output.•CV and EIS based photo-electrochemistry profound elucidation.•Ideal capacitive behavior exhibition by MoO3@ZnO nanocomposites.