Green synthesis of Co3O4 NPs via microwave approach: Enhanced H2 generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis

Ali, Tarek T; Labib, Simon Wageh; Abu-Zied, Bahaa Mahmoud; Mahmoud, Hatem Ahmed

doi:10.21608/sjsci.2025.425258.1312

Green synthesis of Co3O4 NPs via microwave approach: Enhanced H2 generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis

Document Type : Regular Articles

Authors

¹ Sohag University

² Chemistry department, faculty of science, sohag university, sohag, Egypt.

³ Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt

⁴ Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University

10.21608/sjsci.2025.425258.1312

Abstract

This study employed parsley leaves in the green synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) using a microwave irradiation approach and subsequent calcination at 400 °C. The synthesized Co3O4 NPs have been characterized through various analyses including XRD, FTIR, TEM, XPS, and N2 adsorption. XRD analysis revealed the cubic structure of the formed Co3O4 NPs, with an average crystallite size of 15 nm. Functional groups were identified from FT-IR analysis which confirmed the presence of the two diagnostic peaks corresponding to Co2+ and Co3+ of Co3O4 spinel. TEM images demonstrated that the synthesized Co3O4 NPs possess agglomerated nanoparticles, which exhibit capsule-like morphology with an average particle size of 10 nm. Surface analysis via N2 adsorption indicated that the catalyst has a high surface area (SBET) value of 90 m²g-1. XPS characterization of these NPs confirmed the coexistence of Co2+ and Co3+ at the surface of the synthesized Co3O4 NPs. The catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst was assessed for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 at temperatures ranging from 30 to 45 °C. The catalytic performance increased with the increase in reaction temperature, NaBH4 wt.%, and catalyst weight. Moreover, the investigation was extended to explore the effect of other parameters including alkalinity and reusability on the catalyst's activity.

Keywords