Review Reports

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors have prepared Fe_xCo_3-xO₄ electrocatalysts through the hydrothermal process. Further, the authors have explored the usefulness of the samples for energy storage and conversion applications and good performances have been achieved. However, the following comments need to be addressed before considering publication in processes.  

Comments:           

• More explanations, recent achievements, and corresponding citations are necessary for the introduction section.
• For better understanding for readers, authors should provide a schematic diagram of the Fe_xCo_3-xO₄ nanostructure synthesis.

• The manuscript has a few typos and grammatical errors it should be carefully corrected throughout the manuscripts (Ex: check table 5. Catalyst column (Co3O4 instead Co₃O₄).

• In the electrochemical section, the authors should provide more explanation with compared electrocatalysts (table 3 and table 5).

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The topic of the paper is indeed important, however, the following critical issues have to be addressed to improve the manuscript;

1- certain parts of the abstract should be rewritten focousing on problem statement, approach, main finding. Detailed results can be placed at the results section, and most significant parts can be enclosed within the conclusion to support it.

2- The authors are requested to show how there the results provide an advance in current knowledge.

3- References are required for stated info between lines 65-68

4- Experimental work requires references, unless the methodology of preparing "working electrode..etc' was established by the authors.

5- More detailed are required to be included regarding most of the figures (such as, figures 1, 2c, 6 a-f, 8 x=0-x=1, 10 a-f, 11 a-f

without good figure captions I would not consider the figures are scientific evidences. 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

I acknowledge the cooperation of the authors regarding the previously provided comments.