Synthesis of binary metal oxide-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles by organic template and investigation of its structural, optical and electrochemical properties

Abstract

Over the past decade, electrochemical devices have significantly improved due to advanced fabrication and synthesis of nano-electrode materials. However, the cost-effective and -efficient fabrication of nanomaterials is still challengeable. In this regard, we have used bio-organic compounds of E. cognata as fuel to synthesize and functionalize the Co3O4 nanoparticles and then incorporated NiO–PdO–Pd following the hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction revealed Co3O4:NiO–PdO–Pd phases with crystallite size of 21 nm while spherical-shaped nanoparticles are observed by scanning electron microscope. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presences of organic-functional groups of E. cognata on the surface of synthesized nanomaterial. The as-synthesized Co3O4:NiO–PdO–Pd nanomaterial is investigated as supercapacitor electrode material. In 3 M KOH the Co3O4:NiO–PdO–Pd nanomaterial exhibits a specific capacitance of 217.4 F/g. The Co3O4:NiO–PdO–Pd was reach up to 142.91 F/g at 10 mV/s while 115.15 F/g of capacitance is achieved by GCD data. Moreover, excellent conductivity is revealed by lower internal Ohmic resistance of 0.71 Ω which corresponds to the efficient transport of charges, and promotes the electrolyte diffusion. These results indicate that Co3O4:NiO–PdO–Pd nanomaterial can be a potential electrode for supercapacitor application.