Dendrite-like Co3O4 nanostructure and its applications in sensors, supercapacitors and catalysis

Abstract

Dendrite-like Co₃O₄ nanostructure, made up of many nanorods with diameters of 15–20 nm and lengths of 2–3 μm, has been successfully prepared by calcining the corresponding nanostructured Co-8-hydroxyquinoline coordination precursor in air. The Co₃O₄ nanostructure was evaluated as an electrochemical sensor for H₂O₂ detection and the results reveal that it has good linear dependence and high sensitivity to H₂O₂ concentration changes. As an electrode material of a supercapacitor, it was found that the nanostructured Co₃O₄ electrode exhibits high specific capacitance and long cycle life. The Co₃O₄ nanostructure also has good catalytic properties and is steadily active for CO oxidation, giving 100% CO conversion at low temperatures. The multifunctional Co₃O₄ nanostructure would be a promising functional nanomaterial applied in multi industrialized fields.