Synthesis and characterizations of Pd/Mn(Mn1.36Pd0.64)O4 nanocomposite: An experimental and theoretical approach

• Published in: Vacuum 2020-12, Vol.182, p.109683, Article 109683
• Main Authors: Sivasamy, Ramesh, Venugopal, Potu, Kumar, Karrothu Varun, Espinoza-González, Rodrigo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyclic voltammetry; First principle calculation; Nanocomposite; Optical energy band gap; Rietveld refinement; Sol-gel method
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2020.109683

Due to the growing environmental issues and high energy consumption, there is an emergent need to synthesize the multifunctional materials to reduce energy consumption. Hence, we synthesized the Pd/Mn(Mn1·36Pd0.64)O4 nanocomposite by a simple sol-gel process, and studied their Crystal structure, surface morphology, optical absorbance, electrochemical and magnetic properties. Phase analysis, crystalline structures and crystallite sizes of the nanocomposite were revealed using the X-ray diffraction. Nanosize, globular shape morphologies were revealed using SEM and TEM bright field images. The optical energy band-gap from the optical absorbance spectra was estimated to be 2.22 eV. The electrochemical properties of the composite were observed by cyclic voltammetry studies. The symmetric behavior of the voltammetry plots indicates that the nanocomposite is a favorable candidate used for the fast redox reactions with higher specific capacitance. The vibrating sample magnetometer studies confirm the paramagnetic behavior at room temperature. Electronic structures of the composite reveal the half-metallicity and magnetic behavior of Pd/Mn(Mn1·36Pd0.64)O4 structure. [Display omitted] •The novel Pd/Mn(Mn1·36Pd0.64)O4 nanocomposite was synthesized by sol-gel method.•Cyclic voltammetry plot reveals that the sample is good for fast redox reactions.•Optical band gap of 2.22 eV and the paramagnetic nature of the sample is explored.•The sample can be used as a promising magnetically separable electrocatalyst.