Facile synthesis of rGO@ CoO nanocomposites electrode material for photocatalytic hydrogen generation and supercapacitor applications

Herein this work, a simple one-step hydrothermal method for decorating CoO nanostructures uniformly on rGO surfaces. The produced CoO/rGO electrode material was uniformly characterised physiochemical techniques to determine its structure and its morphological behaviour. The CoO nanostructures deposited on rGO surfaces could act effectively as a highly conductive material that aids in uniform redox reactions. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the CoO/rGO nancomposite modified electrode has a specific capacitance value of 592 F g(-1) at 2 A g(-1) in 1 M aqueous KOH with a good stability of 90% capacitance stability even after 3000 charge-discharged cycles, making it an attractive material for use in electrochemical energy storage devices. Furthermore, the RGO has mainly double role as electron mediator to improve the charge transportation and improving the light absorption behaviour in the visible light region. The constructed CoO/rGO nanocomposite applied as photocatalyst for water splitting exhibits improved H2 production (830 mu mol h(-1) g(-1)) under the visible light. The major findings of this work offer a unique opportunity for constructing visible light response photoactive material, and electrochemical redox capacitors for energy needs.

Automated summary

In this work, CoO nanostructures were uniformly decorated on rGO surfaces using a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The physiochemical techniques showed that the CoO/rGO electrode material had a well-defined structure and morphology. The CoO nanostructures acted as a highly conductive material, promoting uniform redox reactions. The CoO/rGO nanocomposite exhibited a specific capacitance value of 592 F g(-1) and good stability, making it suitable for electrochemical energy storage devices. Additionally, the RGO played a dual role as an electron mediator and improved light absorption in the visible light region. The CoO/rGO nanocomposite also showed improved photocatalytic activity for water splitting under visible light.