Development and Characterization of a Gadolinium Molybdate Composite for Enhanced Hydrogen Generation by a Proton-Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer

Climate change and depletion of fossil fuels are the primary drivers for focusing on hydrogen generation. Hydrogen fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions, serving as a clean energy to power cars, buses, and trucks, and finds applications across diverse industries. Hydrogen generation via proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) remains a good solution for addressing global energy demands. Gd2MoO6 and Gd2MoO6@CS electrocatalysts were synthesized using the co-precipitation method for hydrogen production. X-ray diffraction analysis explored Gd2MoO6 with a carbon composite and showed that it exhibited a monoclinic crystal structure, with average crystallite sizes of 54.43 nm for Gd2MoO6 and 43.53 nm for Gd2MoO6@CS. Raman spectroscopy of Gd2MoO6 with the carbon composite indicated an ID/IG ratio of 0.84. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) revealed the functional groups of molecules that are present in Gd2MoO6 and Gd2MoO6@CS nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray studies explored the formation of flower-like Gd2MoO6 and finely integrated carbon spheres in Gd2MoO6@CS. The electrocatalytic study of Gd2MoO6 was improved by carbon addition, demonstrating 271 mV overpotential and a Tafel slope of 60 mV/dec. In practical tests with a PEM water electrolyzer, the Gd2MoO6@CS catalysts provided high efficiency. At 2.4 V, it produced a current of 3.2 A and a hydrogen rate of 1.5 LPH. This demonstrated the catalyst’s excellent performance and the effectiveness of combining Gd2MoO6@CS for hydrogen generation.