Optical and structural stability of Co3O4 nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications

Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method for wastewater treatment photocatalytic applications. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, UV, FTIR and PL analyses to confirm the properties of the sample. The XRD diffraction pattern confirmed the purity of the sample as a Cobalt tetra oxide single phase. The optical properties via UV-Vis spectroscopy shows a bandgap in the energy range of 2.1 eV - 2.4 eV. The photocatalytic study confirmed the catalytic activities of the formulated sample. The prepared nanoparticles were then applied in breaking down pollutants in water. Moreover, the degradation reactions of wastewater were found to be about 250 mg/l after 160 min. The nanoparticles were able to reduce 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroaniline using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent while exhibiting an effective reduction reaction. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were prepared through hydrothermal method for photocatalytic applications in wastewater treatment. The nanoparticles showed good optical properties and catalytic activities, effectively breaking down pollutants in water.