Electrochemical preparation of bismuthene quantum dots for the selective
electroreduction of O(2) to peroxide
#MMPMID41384073
Isaac BR
; Mohapatra S
; Alwarappan S
; Pillai VK
RSC Adv
2025[Dec]; 15
(57
): 49088-49093
PMID41384073
show ga
Bismuthene quantum dots (BiQDs), as a zero-dimensional (0D) material, offer
significant potential in electrocatalysis due to their quantum confinement, edge
effects, and unique electronic structure. Herein, we report a facile
electrochemical exfoliation strategy for the synthesis of crystalline BiQDs
(lateral dimensions of 2.2 nm) in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) at room temperature.
Their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in
alkaline media is systematically evaluated. The observed Tafel slope of
approximately 40 mV dec(-1) and the high exchange current density (6.0 × 10(-8) A
cm(-2)) indicate notable kinetic improvements over conventional Pt-based
electrocatalysts and enhanced cycling stability. BiQDs exhibit enhanced ORR
performance following a two-electron transfer mechanism. This work highlights the
promising role of BiQDs as efficient and environmentally friendly ORR
electrocatalysts.