Energy storage, sensors, photocatalytic applications of green synthesized ZnO: Fe3+ nanomaterials

ZnO nanomaterials doped with Fe3+ ions at concentrations ranging from 1 % to 7 % were synthesized using an environmentally friendly combustion technique. These materials were then analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Visible DRS). The resulting crystallite size was determined to be between 20 nm and 25 nm. By applying the Kubelka-Munk function, the band gap was calculated and found to vary from 2.55 eV to 2.99 eV. For the investigation of electrochemical properties, modified carbon paste electrodes containing ZnO: Fe3+ (1-7 mol%) were subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Notably, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) electrode demonstrated promising characteristics for supercapacitor applications. This same electrode was also utilized for detecting paracetamol and glucose at concentrations ranging from 1 mM to 5 mM using CV and chronoamperometry techniques, underscoring its potential as an electrochemical sensor. Moreover, the photocatalytic capability of ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial was assessed through the degradation of Methylene Blue and Acid Orange-8 dyes. The results were impressive, with this particular photocatalyst achieving 94.45 % degradation of Methylene Blue and 96.29% degradation of acid orange-8 dye. These outcomes validate its efficacy for applications in photocatalytic dye degradation. In conclusion, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial synthesized via environmentally friendly means exhibits substantial promise for diverse applications in electrochemical and photocatalytic domains.