Abstract
Nanostructured Co3O4 was synthesized through a gamma (γ)-radiolysis technique using alcoholic (iso-propanol) salt solutions of cobalt ions with and without suspended graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles, respectively. Formation of Co3O4 accompanied with GO reduction takes place simultaneously (in situ) upon γ-ray exposure carried out at a rate of 5.1 KGy h-1. Reduction of GO and formation of Co3O4 were confirmed by XRD, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy. XRD and HRTEM results supports the embedding of nano-crystalline Co3O4 in an amorphous matrix. Relatively larger crystallites of cobalt oxide obtained in the presence of rGO proved to be a decisive supporting material for the directional growth of Co3O4. Electrochemical characterization established the fact that rGO is indeed considered as a proficient medium for electrochemical electron transfer process. Photo-assisted H2 generation studies using Co3O4 and Co3O4-rGO nano-composite yielded 3 and 30 μmol h-1 g-1 of hydrogen (H2) generation, respectively, supports the action of rGO as an electron trap.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 045507 |
Journal | Materials Research Express |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Dec 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Nano cobalt oxide
- Photocatalytic hydrogen production
- Reduced graphene oxide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Biomaterials
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Polymers and Plastics
- Metals and Alloys