Synthesis of Samarium Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets and Nanoflowers on Nickel Foam via Electrochemical Route

Abstract

Cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanosheets were successfully synthesized and deposited onto the nickel foam substrate via electrochemical route. The chronoamperograms during the deposition revealed electrochemical activity resulting to the nucleation of the cobalt ions forming cobalt hydroxide and transformation to cobalt oxide. Energy dispersive xray (EDX) results elucidates the presence of samarium, cobalt and oxygen in the sample. The formation of nanosheets was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that adding more samarium in the electrochemical bath changes the morphology of the final product from nanosheets to nanoflowers. The evolution of nanosheets to nanoflowers of the synthesized material could pave way for its potential application in the field of electrochemical energy storage devices and electrochemical sensors.