Fabrication of low over-potential manganese doped samarium oxide as synergistic electro-catalyst for generation of sustainable energy.

Electro-catalytic water splitting for the generation of sustainable energy, is one of the most promising way to convert renewable energy resources into fuel. Water splitting is an impressive and effective process due to its complete lack of CO 2 emissions and its efficiency as an energy storage system. The growth of stable, low cost and active electro-catalyst has imperative role for achieving the electro-catalytic hydrogen generation from water splitting process. Herein, a very simple synthesis strategy of sol gel method was used to reduce the production cost of electro-catalysts. Particular characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were accomplished. Transition metals and their oxides were found highly stable, active and shows long term durability for water oxidation process, while manganese (Mn) doped samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3) electro-catalyst showed promising catalytic performance and found exceptionally very active towards overall water splitting process. Thus, the as-prepared catalysts can be employed for hydrogen generation from water splitting, which is one of imperative sources of renewable energy production. • Electro-catalytic water splitting for the generation of sustainable energy. • Conversion of renewable energy resources into fuel in the form of hydrogen. • Cost-effective electro-catalyst was prepared for water splitting process. • Sol gel method was used to reduce the production cost of electro-catalysts. • Mn-doped samarium oxide electro-catalyst showed high catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]