Synthesis of Self-Assembled Co₃O₄ Nanoparticles with Porous Sea Urchin-Like Morphology and their Catalytic and Electrochemical Applications

Novel self-assembled cobalt oxide nanoparticles with sea urchin-like morphology were synthesized using a solvothermal method. It was observed that the product consists of a tube-like arrangement of nanoparticles arising from a base. The base is formed by the arrangement of nanoparticles in the form of dense aggregates. A series of comparative experiments were performed over different time intervals to investigate the mechanism of formation of this morphology. The electrochemical performance of an electrode prepared based on this product was analysed by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and alternating current impedance. The electrochemical study shows that the prepared electrode possesses high capacitance and offers very low resistance against the flow of electrons. The product was used as a catalyst for the reduction of nitrobenzene in aqueous medium. The value of the apparent rate constant of catalysis was found to be as high as previously reported values.