Facile gamma radiolytic synthesis of synergistic Co3O4-rGO nanocomposite: Direct use in photocatalytic water splitting

Bhavana Gupta, Ambrose A. Melvin, Tom Matthews, S. Dash, A. K. Tyagi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Article number045507
JournalMaterials Research Express
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2015
Externally publishedYes

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

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