Modified surface nano-topography for renewable energy applications for promising cobalt-based nanomaterials towards dual-functional electrocatalyst
Iswary Letchumanan, Rozan Mohamad Yunus, Mohd Shahbudin Masdar, Mahnoush Beygisangchin, Siti Kartom Kamarudin, Nabila A. Karim
Abstract
Cobalt-based nanoparticles exhibit considerable potential as bi-functional electrocatalyst materials in diverse renewable energy systems due to their exceptional qualities, which include highly active catalytic characteristics, remarkable thermal and chemical stability, and super-dynamic behavior. However, several drawbacks remain, including poor conductivity and structural stability. The current advancements in surface nano-topography modification for cobalt-based nanomaterials serving as bifunctional electrocatalyst materials for renewable energy devices were discussed in this review. It discusses the fabrication methods of the materials, surface engineering strategies, and resulting enhancement mechanisms for good performance at the surface nano-topography. The influence of several surface nano-topology modification approaches on improved charge transfer, increased surface area and electrocatalytic activity, and reaction intermediate stabilization is also examined. In addition, engineering the surface morphology using a template-assisted doping strategy and etching process can produce enhancement mechanisms such as increased surface area, porous network, and more reactive active sites. This review is highly dedicated to the research of several cobalt-based nanomaterials in renewable energy devices and that there will be new frontiers in surface engineering strategies by upcoming scholars.