Synthesis, Characterization, and Versatile Applications of Metal Oxides and Mixed Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract Metal oxides and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles (MMONPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields. In this review, the recent advancements in this area will be noted. The diverse synthetic techniques, including thermal deposition, sol-gel deposition, electrodeposition, spin coating, and microwave-assisted synthesis, choice of preparation method and the importance of controlling various synthesis parameters, such as temperature, pH, and precursor concentration, their impact on the prepared metal oxides' size, shape, and composition will be correlated. A comprehensive overview of various characterization techniques, such as physical and chemical (SEM, EDS, TEM, AFM, DLS, XRD, and XPS), electrochemical (EIS, CV, SECM, and Zeta-potential), thermal (TGA), and optical (FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy), and their crucial role in understanding the structural and morphological properties of the prepared metal oxide materials will be explained. This review also highlights the recent advancements, in the past decade, involving the application of MMONPs in electrolysis, catalysis, fuel cells, environmental remediation, and biosensing applications will be highlighted, as well as, their role as a dimensional stable anode (DSA) for the chlor-alkali industry and electrocatalytic enhance for the electrooxidation reactions in direct liquid fuel cell applications.