Influence of 2D template-assisted (SBA-15) metal oxide Co₃O₄ for pseudocapacitive and dye degradation application

Cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) is a low-cost material exhibiting excellent physicochemical and photocatalytic properties indicating its potential use for next-generation eco-friendly energy storage and photocatalytic degradation applications. In this study, Co₃O₄ nanoarcs were synthesized using SBA-15 as a template by microwave-assisted method to form an S15/m-Co₃O₄ product. Characterization was done by low and wide-angle X-Ray diffraction, and Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopic studies confirming the presence of S15/m-Co₃O₄. Scanning Electron Microscope images proved the agglomerated nanotube and nanoarcs like the structure of SBA-15 and S15/m- Co₃O₄, respectively. Electrochemical studies included cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge, retention capacity, and electron impedance spectroscopy studies in a 3-electrode system. S15/m-Co₃O₄ nanoarcs, as the electrode material, was revealed to have a specific capacity of 87.5 C/g in 1 M KOH solution. Upon running 1000 cycles, the material had excellent capacity retention of 87%. The S15/m-Co₃O₄ product also underwent photocatalytic degradation studies. The Rhodamine R6G dye degradation by S15/m-Co₃O₄ under UV irradiation exhibited a high degradation percentage of 97.7%, following the first-order kinetics. S15/m-Co₃O₄ has proven to be biocompatible and can be used to enhance supercapacitors which are an ideal alternative to conventional batteries for energy storage applications. Thus, the data produced proves S15/m-Co₃O₄ nanoarcs is an excellent electrode material for pseudocapacitive application and a catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules.