Synthesis of TiO2-NTs coated with MWCNT/In2O3-NRs: Investigation of efficiency in electrocatalytic hydrogen production

Baran Aydın E., SIĞIRCIK G.

Inorganic Chemistry Communications, vol.178, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 178
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.inoche.2025.114476
  • Journal Name: Inorganic Chemistry Communications
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, DIALNET
  • Keywords: Energy requirement, Hydrogen evolution reaction, In2O3, TiO2
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study focuses on enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of TiO2 Nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by coating them with indium oxide Nanorods (In2O3-NRs), Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), and their mixtures using spin coating. The XRD analysis confirmed that In2O3 and TiO2 have cubic and tetragonal anatase structures, respectively. FE-SEM images revealed rod-like In2O3 and spherical MWCNT on TiO2-NTs, and the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic (PD) polarization techniques. The Mott-Schottky analysis determined donor density (ND) values for the samples, ranging from 2.51 × 1019 to 3.06 × 1019 cm−3. Total polarization resistance obtained from EIS at Eocp was determined as 555.4 Ω cm2 for 2.1-MWCNT.In2O3/TiO2-NTs material. Moreover, 1.2-MWCNT.In2O3/TiO2-NTs shows overpotential of 671 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2 for HER with a Tafel slope of 71.4 mV dec−1 and 4.52 μA cm−2 current density in 1 M KOH solution. The materials were analyzed for structural and electrochemical properties, showing improved conductivity, lower resistance, and better HER performance with the optimized MWCNT/In2O3 ratios.