A novel synthesis protocol for Co3O4 nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications. Issue 62 (8th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sivachidambaram, M.; Vijaya, J. Judith; Kaviyarasu, K.; Kennedy, L. John; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A.; Jothi Ramalingam, R.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 7:Issue 62(2017)
• Page Start: 38861
• Page End: 38870
• Publication Date: 2017-08-08
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ra06996k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Green synthesis of Co3 O4 -NPs by a HPCM method using Azadirachta indica leaf extract is reported. HRTEM shows hollow sphere like NPs with polycrystalline nature and it is used in catalytic applications. Abstract : Co3 O4 spinel nanoparticles (Co3 O4 -NPs) are synthesized via a green route using neem ( Azadirachta indica ) leaf by an efficient and simple hot plate combustion method (HPCM). The as-prepared Co3 O4 -NPs have been characterized by well-known recognized techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Co3 O4 -NPs were investigated in various application areas; for example, a multi-lamp photocatalytic reactor was used to degrade the hazardous textile dye waste (TDW) collected from the dyeing industry. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Co3 O4 -NPs was studied against Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis ) and Gram-negative ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli ) bacteria, in comparison to a chloramphenicol standard, and also evaluated by carrying out the catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroaniline in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. Noble metals have been reported earlier, but due to their high cost they needed to be replaced by a cost effective material. We have also discussed feasible mechanisms and catalytic activity of the Co3 O4 -NPs in different applications. Thus, we have proposed a novel, economic and green synthesis of Co3 O4 -NPs that is highly important in the present times for the removal of hazardous chemicals.