Synergistic Design of Co3O4 Nanoparticles for Advanced Supercapacitor Electrodes: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation

Abstract

The potential of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles, synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, as electrode materials for supercapacitors is investigated in this research. Through a comprehensive characterization approach involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface wettability analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, the structural and morphological properties of the synthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles were thoroughly examined. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of the cubic phase of Co3O4, while FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the characteristic Co-O bonds. SEM imaging showcased the non-uniform aggregation of nanoparticles. BET analysis provided crucial insights into surface area and pore radius parameters. Notably, Co3O4 nanoparticles exhibited hydrophilic behavior. In the presence of KOH electrolyte, Co3O4-carbon cloth (CC) electrodes demonstrated exceptional specific capacitances (Cs) of 132 Fg-1 in KOH and 79 Fg-1 in Na2SO4, coupled with outstanding cycling stability (~75% retention after 500 cycles) in KOH, underscoring their potential as promising electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.