Coprecipitate derived cobalt oxide nanoparticles for the enhanced photocatalytic and supercapacitive applications

This work reports on the preparation of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanoparticle using coprecipitate method in order to increase the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange dye and also as a supercapacitive material. The obtained samples were calcined at temperatures of 300°C, 400°C, 500°C and 600°C respectively. The XRD pattern confirms the presence of pure Co₃O₄ nanoparticles have a spinel structure. The UV-Vis DRS spectra of shows good absorption in the range of 350 nm to 750 nm at 600 °C and also indicates that it will be active in the photocatalytic process in the visible range. The SEM image shows the presence of nanoflakes of irregular structure with average grains are found to be 80 to 90 nm. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis was performed to study the elemental composition of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. The sample is found to be composed of cobalt and oxygen with wt% of 62.11% and 27.86% respectively. The photo catalytic activity of Co₃O₄ has been performed under visible light. The cylic voltammetry studies have been carried out to investigate the capacitive performance of the Co₃O₄ nano materials. (author)