Cobalt oxide nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide (Co3O4–rGO): active and sustainable nanoelectrodes for water oxidation reaction†
Abstract
Herein, cobalt oxide (Co3O4)-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based nanoelectrodes were fabricated by the chemical reduction method using hydrazine hydrate. It showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution (water oxidation) reactions (OER) in an alkaline medium. These as-synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD studies confirmed that Co3O4 had a cubic spinal structure and morphological studies based on TEM analysis showed that Co3O4 existed with ∼5 nm-thick chain-like nanostructures that decorated rGO. This Co3O4-modified reduced graphene oxide (Co3O4–rGO) electrocatalyst was found to be extraordinarily active towards oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and is one of the complex reactions of water splitting technique. This was further confirmed by an ultra-low onset potential of 1.38 V vs. RHE with a high current density of 10 mA mg−1 of Co3O4 loading (calculated from TGA) at the constant potential of 1.50 V vs. RHE. The enhancement factor of Co3O4–rGO = 2000 was almost 3.25 times higher compared with that of Co3O4 = 600 under similar electrolytic conditions probably due to the synergetic co-operative interactions at modified interfaces. Chronoamperometric (i–t) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) measurements demonstrated higher current/potential stability and lower charge transfer resistance, respectively, for Co3O4–rGO compared with those of rGO and Co3O4 towards the water oxidation reaction.