A Modified Nanostructured Gd-WO3, Sensing Interface Morphology, their Voltammetric Determination and Applications in Advanced Energy Storage Devices

Perovskite electrodes can be a pertinent method to enhance electrochemical voltammetric sensing performances. In the present research, GdxWO3 (x = 2, 5, 10 wt. %) nanostructures (NS) are synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method, calcinated at 750-800 °C and subsequently fabricated using electron beam deposition method over glass substrate used for electrochemical voltammetric determination. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to examine the crystal phase and morphology of the gadolinium doped nanostructures thus prepared. Surface chemical composition, chemical bond analysis, dispersion of Gd into WO3 were confirmed by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectral) studies. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) micrographs showed flake-like surface morphology can act as sensing interface for facile transfer of electrons over NS of GdxWO3, and SEM cross section micrographs revealed agglomerated densely packed rod like structure. Gdx WO3 nanostructure showed ~ 89 nm grain, ~ 110 nm grain boundary distances, UV-visible absorptivity maxima observed between 280 nm to 340 nm for Gdx WO3 NS. Electrochemical cyclic voltammetry performance was tested in three electrodes assembled for high performance energy storage applications, involving cyclic voltammetric charge discharge cycles and sensing interface between fabricated NS, and cyclic voltammetry carried out in 6M KOH solution. GdxWO3 demonstrates a specific capacitance of 450 F/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g. Gd-WO3 NS has a capacitance retention rate of 88.5% after 5,000 cycles (cyclic stability). Voltammetric characteristics indicate that Gdx WO3 NS is a promising electrode material for energy storage devices and can be used as high-performance super capacitor applications.