Green carbon quantum dot encapsulated AlSi10Mg alloy microspheres for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction

Nagarjun, J and Thangaraju, D (2026) Green carbon quantum dot encapsulated AlSi10Mg alloy microspheres for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 1071: 188953. ISSN 09258388

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Abstract

The advancement of high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction (HER and OER) is essential for the progress of sustainable energy technologies. In this work, biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from Azadirachta indica were incorporated into AlSi10Mg alloy via a hydrothermal method to improve electrocatalytic activity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of both AlSi10Mg and AlSi10Mg@CQD, while Raman spectroscopy indicated the retention of silicon phonon modes and the presence of D and G bands, confirming the successful incorporation of CQDs within the alloy matrix. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and elemental mapping revealed the morphology and distribution of CQDs on the AlSi10Mg surface, which was further validated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the surface elemental composition and chemical oxidation states of the constituent elements. The AlSi10Mg exhibited an electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) from 0.162 to 3.27 m2/g, after the incorporation of CQDs indicating a higher density of accessible active sites. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the AlSi10Mg@CQD electrocatalyst exhibited a low overpotential of 155 mV at 10 mA/cm2, reflecting enhanced catalytic activity and charge-transfer kinetics towards HER. Notably, after prolonged stability testing, the overpotential further decreased to 120 mV, demonstrating superior catalytic activation and excellent operational stability during HER performance. These results highlight the potential of CQD-functionalized AlSi10Mg as a promising HER catalyst for water-splitting applications.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Chemistry > Electrochemistry and Electrolysis
Divisions: Mechanical Engineering
Physics
Depositing User: Dr Krishnamurthy V
Date Deposited: 13 Jun 2026 09:15
Last Modified: 13 Jun 2026 09:15
URI: https://ir.psgitech.ac.in/id/eprint/1868

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