Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activity of Co3O4/Graphene Composite

Abstract

Cobalt oxide/graphene (Co3O4/rGO) was successfully prepared using hydrothermal method. The major aim of the study is to investigate the photocatalytic activities on the removal of methyl orange (MO). These as-prepared catalysts (Co3O4, rGO and Co3O4/rGO) were investigated for the degradation of MO via photocatalysis process and were successfully achieved. The photocatalysts were compared with the corresponding bare Co3O4 and rGO respectively and demonstrated for the photo-degradation activity for MO. One of the significant findings emerged from this study was that Co3O4/rGO exhibits a very high photocatalytic activity in degradation of MO solution under visible or UV-visible light irradiation compare with UV and in darkness. The Co3O4/rGO exhibits better photocatalytic activity in a low concentration of MO compared to the highest concentration. The higher loading amount of Co3O4 on Co3O4/rGO contributes more on the activity.