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

Dendrite-like Co3O4 nanostructure, made up of many nanorods with diameters of 15-20 nm and lengths of 2-3 mu m, 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.