Abstract
Water splitting is an important method for hydrogen production. Notably, tantalum oxide has the potential to employ extensive variety appliances because of its outstanding electrical and optical properties. Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) nanopowders were produced using the sol–gel process. The effect of calcination time plays a main role on Ta2O5 crystal structure configuration. Transmission electron microscope images explored obtained Ta2O5 nanorod formation and investigated by electrochemical studies for its use in electrochemical water-splitting applications. The calculated specific capacitance values of Ta2O5 electrodes at different temperature conditions were 146.4, 191.7, and 221.7 F/g. Fabricated Ta2O5 electrodes showed overpotential of 304, 278, and 267 mV. Current densities of Ta2O5 electrodes at different calcinations times were 353, 419, and 461 mA/g. Ta2O5 powder calcined for 6 h revealed high specific capacitance and low overpotential, indicating better electrochemical reactivity suitable for water oxidation applications.