Cobalt Oxide Research Articles

Mass balance and economic study of a treatment chain for nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements recovery from Ni-MH batteries

ABSTRACT The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate the economic performance of a complete process for recovering nickel, cobalt, and rare earths (REEs) from nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery waste. The main elements contained in the battery powder are Ni (523 g/kg), La (58 g/kg), Co (39 g/kg), Zn (21 g/kg), Nd (19 g/kg), Sm (19 g/kg) and Ce (14 g/kg). Metal leaching was carried out with 2 M sulfuric acid, solubilising 100% of Ni, 93% of Co and 94% of REEs. Rare earths were precipitated with NaOH, then purified after resolubilization in nitric acid. Solvent extraction with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) followed by bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272) was used to separate Ni and Co. At the end of the process, REEs, nickel, and cobalt were recovered as oxides after precipitation as oxalates. The REE, nickel and cobalt oxides obtained have purities of 97.6%, 97.2% and 93.2% respectively. A techno-economic study was carried out using SuperPro Designer software. In this scenario, plant capacity was set at 1.0 t of used battery powder per hour for an operating period of 8 h/d and 250 days per year. The total investment was estimated at $26.9 million, with a payback period of 1.58 years. For a 15-year life, the net present value of this project is estimated at $95.9 million, with an interest rate of 7%. The internal rate of return is estimated at 46.1%, which is considered acceptable and economically viable.

Catalytic micro-structured ceramic beads and efficacy evaluation through SMX degradation in PMS-activated systems

This study tackles the challenge of applying fine and nano-catalyst particles in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), primarily due to the complexities of nanoparticle removal from treated water to prevent secondary nano-hazards. We propose an innovative solution: micro-structured ceramic beads (MSCBs, approximately 3 mm in diameter) with a unique anisotropic pore structure. For the first time, we prepared MSCBs impregnated with cobalt oxide (Co/MSCBs) using a phase-inversion and sintering-assisted process. The Co/MSCBs were investigated for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) induced AOPs system under mild reaction conditions. The effects of operating parameters (e.g., SMX concentration, reaction temperature, and catalyst dosage) in the Co/MSCBs|PMS system were studied on three different types of catalytic ceramic beads: 2Co/MSCB0 (beads with a common isotropic pore structure), 2Co/MSCB1 (beads with radial finger-like microstructures and a denser outer skin-layer), and 2Co/MSCB2 (beads with finger-like microstructures and no outer skin layer). At 20 °C, 2Co/MSCB2 (59.1 %) demonstrated a higher degradation efficiency for 40 mg/L SMX in comparison to 2Co/MSCB1 (54.9 %) and 2Co/MSCB0 (49.6 %). Additionally, it is noteworthy that the sample 2Co/MSCB2, after being used and regenerated, exhibited significantly a higher catalytic performance (70.83 % removal in 20 min during the 16th run) than the fresh one (70.47 % removal in 120 min). After reactions, Co/MSCBs can be readily separated from the bulk solution and used for the next run, making them ideal for practical applications. Furthermore, a radical quenching experiment was conducted, and a plausible catalytic mechanism was proposed. This research presents a new approach for the fabrication of micro-structured ceramic beads that are capable of effectively overcoming the diffusion limitations encountered in both heterogeneous reactions and adsorption processes.

β-cyclodextrin-modified cobalt oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation towards the degradation of Ciprofloxacin: Performance and degradation pathways

In this study, β-cyclodextrin-modified cobalt oxide (Co3O4@β-CD) composites were developed through hydrothermal processes and employed for heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotics. The results revealed that the degradation of CIP by Co3O4@β-CD/PMS was 99.13 %, which was significantly higher than the degradation of CIP by Co3O4/PMS (79.06 %) in a 25-minute period under optimal conditions ([Co3O4@β-CD] = 0.25 g/L, [PMS] = 0.25 mM, pH=7.0). The enhanced degradation of CIP contributed to the greater surface area (162.84 m2/g) of the Co3O4@β-CD to the Co3O4 (121.47 m2/g). Besides, the study assessed the impact of several reaction variables and interrupting anions on the abatement of CIP. A possible degradation procedure for CIP has been established by identifying reaction intermediates. The activation of PMS was achieved by both radical and non-radical routes. Further, Co3O4@β-CD exhibited remarkable stability and maintained its degrading efficiency after five consecutive cycles.

Enhanced catalytic performance and antichlorine poisoning over Cu-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets for chlorobenzene oxidation

The degradation of Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) by catalytic oxidation forms toxic products, and catalysts may be poisoned by chlorine at low temperatures. To address this, a Cu-assisted strategy is proposed for enhancing the catalytic degradation of chlorobenzene (CB) over cobalt oxide nanosheets. The Cu-doped Co3O4 catalysts exhibited lower T90 values (temperatures with 90 % conversion) and improved stability compared to the unmodified catalyst. These results were attributed to strong metal-metal interactions between Cu species and cobalt oxide nanosheets, which showed a high specific surface area, reduced binding energy of lattice oxygen, higher surface oxygen concentration, and more surface Co3+ species. These properties promoted low-temperature catalytic activity. In addition, the disappearance of Cu2+ satellite peak after the catalyst is used, indicating that the Cu2+ also contributes to the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the in situ FTIR spectra provided details about the reaction mechanism of CB degradation over Cu-doped cobalt oxide nanosheets. The oxygen vacancy generation and the surface absorption of chlorine-containing intermediates were calculated using density functional theory calculations. This study provides new insight into novel pathways for catalyst design aimed at CB degradation.

Cobalt-Modified Biochar from Rape Straw as Persulfate Activator for Degradation of Antibiotic Metronidazole

A cobalt-loaded magnetic biochar (Co-MBC) catalyst was synthesized to enhance the removal of metronidazole (MNZ). Study explored the performance and mechanism of MNZ degradation by Co-MBC activated permonosulfate (PMS). Results showed that cobalt oxides were effectively deposited onto the biochar surface, new oxygen functional groups were added to the modified biochar, and the presence of the metallic element Co enhanced the efficiency of PMS activation in the composite. More than 90% of MNZ was removed after 60 min with a catalyst dosage of 0.2 g/L and a PS concentration of 1 mM. After four reuses, Co-MBC still showed excellent catalytic performance to degrade over 75% of MNZ. The reaction system performed well even in the presence of inorganic anions and organic macromolecules. However, the degradation rate was inhibited under alkaline conditions. The quenching experiment indicated that •SO4−, •OH, 1O2, and •O2− synergistically degraded MNZ, and that•SO4− played a dominant role. LC-MS was applied to assess intermediate degradation products, in which CO2, H2O, and NO3− were the final degradation products, and potential degradation pathways were suggested. In conclusion, Co-MBC was an efficient and stable catalytic material, and its ability to activate PMS was improved to effectively degrade antibiotics, a typical priority pollutant.

Facile synthesis of N-doped porous CoO@C nanocubes as anode with superior lithium storage

N-doped porous CoO@C nanocubes were fabricated using a hydrothermal method and annealing process. The uniform wrapped carbon layer effectively mitigates the volume changes during electrochemical reactions. Moreover, the porous carbon layer enhances the electrical conductivity and promotes Li ion diffusion. Therefore, the as-prepared CoO@C nanocubes maintian a capacity of 565 mA h/g at 0.2 A/g after 100 cycles. This stabilization ability is attributed to the introduction of carbon layer and its porous structure, which buffers the volume expansion of cobalt oxide, and increases the surface area and active sites.

Hollow Co3O4 nanoparticles on CNF with polydopamine assistance for enhanced supercapacitor electrodes

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are increasingly recognized as viable cathode materials for pseudocapacitors, due to their substantial theoretical capacity, widespread availability, and environmental benignity. However, their practical application is hindered by significant volumetric expansion during reactions and their inherently limited electrical conductivity. The design of hollow nanoarchitectures, coupled with carbonaceous material integration, has emerged as a potent approach to surmount these limitations. Herein, we reported a stepwise synthesis method where Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles, anchored onto carbon nanofibers (CNF) pre-modified with Polydopamine (PDA) known for its superior adhesion, were transformed into HCo3O4@C@CNF composite materials via a high-temperature annealing process. The mass ratio of Co3O4 to CNF was optimized, with a 3:1 ratio being identified as ideal. This optimized HCo3O4@C@CNF electrode exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance, attaining a significant specific capacitance of 2992 F g-1 at 3 A g-1 and maintaining a 91% capacitance retention rate following 8000 charge-discharge cycles. The CNF acted as an efficient conductive network, substantially enhancing the electrical conductance. Furthermore, the incorporation of PDA facilitated a more uniform dispersion and substantial loading of Co3O4, while the carbon shell, formed upon carbonization, effectively prevented the agglomeration of HCo3O4 nanoparticles, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the electrode. Therefore, the synthesized HCo3O4@C@CNF electrodes exhibit a viable approach for the preparation of electrode materials with high-performance.

Boosting High-Voltage Practical Lithium Metal Batteries with Tailored Additives

HighlightsFGN-182 electrolytes exhibit highly reversible Li plating/stripping with an average Coulombic efficiency reaching up to 99.56% determined from Auerbach’s test.The gas-evolution process of LiNO3 in high-voltage lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes is revealed by in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry.Pouch cells equipped with high-loading LCO (3 mAh cm−2) cathodes, ultrathin Li chips (25 μm), and lean electrolytes (5 g Ah−1) using optimized electrolyte (FGN-182 + 1%HTCN) demonstrate outstanding cycling performance.

Evaluation of antidiabetic potential of Co3O4 and TiO2 nanoparticles on alloxan-induced diabetic mice

The worldwide well-being distress recognized as diabetes mellitus is categorized by the unregulated breakdown of glucose and its linked effects. In this work, the possibility of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) created by hydrothermal methods for the prevention of diabetes in mice using alloxan injections is examined. The NPs were characterized via XRD, SEM, EDX, and UV-vis spectrophotometry. For assessing the effect of treatment genes of the liver such as Glucokinase (GK), Protein kinase B (AKT), and immune-response (IR) were expressed via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, histological inspection was carried out for the liver and spleen. Next, the anti-diabetic effect of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was examined. The trial, which assessed TiO2 and Co3O4 NPs' potential to prevent diabetes in mice given alloxan, was skillfully carried out. Together with Glucophage, TiO2 and Co3O4 NPs were shown to have higher levels of IR, GK, and AKT mRNA expression. As a consequence, the cells absorb glucose more readily. Since TiO2 and Co3O4 nanoparticles may have hypoglycemic effects, further study is necessary to fully appreciate their potential as a practical and affordable diabetic therapy option. Toxicology, biologic compatibility, and the dependability of artificial nano-formulations are examples of possible study subjects.

Simultaneously achieving high Li leaching efficiency and Li/Co selectivity from lithium-ion batteries cathode by using natural low-melting mixture solvents (LoMMSs) as green solvents

Simultaneously achieving high Li leaching efficiency and Li/Co selectivity from lithium-ion batteries cathode at mild condition with high sustainability is difficult up to now. To achieve this goal, we here utilize amino acid-based low-melting mixture solvents (LoMMSs) as green solvents. Representative LoMMSs valine:lactic acid (1:12) could leach nearly 100% Li with the high Li/Co selectivity of 48.39 from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO). Effect of temperature, time and leaching agent mass is investigated. Higher temperature continuously increases the Li leaching efficiency, while Co leaching efficiency first increases during the temperature from 25 °C to 60 °C and then decreases at higher temperature. Both Li and Co leaching efficiency when extending the time or adding the leaching agent mass. Mechanism study shows that acid-base interaction and coordination are the main interaction for the high efficiency of metal leach while redox reaction is negligible. This work would provide a useful guide for promoting the industrial application of selectively recycling lithium-ion batteries cathode with high sustainability and low cost.

Green Synthesis of the Triazine Derivatives and their Application for the Benign Electrocatalytic Reaction of Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

This work uses green sustainable reactions twice. Firstly, it is microwave synthesis: 2,4,6-tribiphenyl-4-yl-1,3,5-triazine and similar compounds were prepared in a closed microwave reactor in n-octane by the Friedel-Crafts reaction. Second, a hybrid electrocatalyst for the highly demanded electrochemical reaction of nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO3RR) was prepared based on this material. This reaction has great potential to replace the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, and in addition, has independent value for the elimination of nitrate contamination of water resources. As shown in the work, microwave synthesis is an eco-friendly method for the synthesis of complex organic compounds; fast, selective and with a high yield of the target product. The electrocatalyst deposited on the graphite electrode consisted of a layer of 2,4-bis([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-6-hydroxy-1,3,5-triazine and related compounds coated with cobalt oxide. The hybrid catalyst was firmly retained on the graphite electrode during NO3RR and the material showed impressive stability with almost no decrease in catalytic activity even after the fifth cycle. Both 2,4-bis([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-6-hydroxy-1,3,5-triazine and the catalyst based on this substance were characterized by SEM, XPS, XRD, UV-vis spectra, cyclic (and linear) voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. This work can serve as a starting point for the development of stable and durable electrocatalysts for NO3RR using triazine derivatives.

Integrating chemistry knowledge in large language models via prompt engineering

This paper presents a study on the integration of domain-specific knowledge in prompt engineering to enhance the performance of large language models (LLMs) in scientific domains. The proposed domain-knowledge embedded prompt engineering method outperforms traditional prompt engineering strategies on various metrics, including capability, accuracy, F1 score, and hallucination drop. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through case studies on complex materials including the MacMillan catalyst, paclitaxel, and lithium cobalt oxide. The results suggest that domain-knowledge prompts can guide LLMs to generate more accurate and relevant responses, highlighting the potential of LLMs as powerful tools for scientific discovery and innovation when equipped with domain-specific prompts. The study also discusses limitations and future directions for domain-specific prompt engineering development.

Evaluating a green liquid phase plasma discharge process and working mechanism for remediating cobalt contamination in water

Cobalt is a toxic heavy metal contaminant in water and wastewater causing health concerns and on the other hand, a valuable element to recycle. In this study, performance of a novel and green continuous liquid phase plasma discharge (CLPD) process was investigated for removal and recovery of cobalt from aqueous solution without use of any catalysts or chemicals. The CLPD reactor design features two conductive channels and stable electric discharge at the orifice of two dielectric plates sandwiched among the electrodes. The effects of operating factors of the CLPD process were evaluated with liquid flow rate (25–100 mg/L) and applied power (200–300 W), and the highest removal efficiency of cobalt (93 %) was obtained within 25 min at a 50 ml/min liquid flow rate and 300 W applied power. The CLPD energy efficiency for cobalt removal under this condition was 27.44 g kW-1h−1. Reaction kinetics with scavenger tests revealed that oxidative reactive species, i.e., hydroxyl radical and superoxide radicals, produced at the discharge zone were responsible for cobalt removal from water by producing cobalt oxide particles and the reaction pathways were proposed. The CLPD process not only allowed for the efficient removal of cobalt (II) from water but also synthesized cobalt oxides particles with averaged size of 2.75 µm, which can be applied as catalyst. The overall results indicated that the novel CLPD is a robust and highly effective process to remove and recover cobalt from water.

Synthesis and Characterization Studies of Pure and Co Doped ZnO Nano Thin Films

General Background: Thin-film technology is pivotal in advancing modern optoelectronic devices due to its ability to tailor material properties at the nanoscale. Specific Background: Zinc oxide (ZnO) and cobalt oxide (CoO) are prominent materials in this field, with doping techniques such as cobalt incorporation offering potential enhancements in film properties. Knowledge Gap: The impact of cobalt doping on the structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films remains inadequately explored, particularly concerning varying doping concentrations. Aims: Aims to elucidate the effects of cobalt doping on ZnO thin films' structural and optical characteristics, with concentrations of Zn0.6Co0.4O and Zn0.8Co0.2O compared to pure ZnO and CoO films. Results: Thin films were prepared via spin coating on glass substrates at 3000 rpm for 30 seconds. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that pure ZnO films possess a hexagonal polycrystalline structure, whereas CoO films exhibit a cubic structure. Doping with cobalt resulted in a decrease in peak intensity at the (111) orientation and an increase in grain size. Optical measurements indicated enhanced transmittance and modified absorbance spectra with increased cobalt content, showing maximum absorbance at short wavelengths and diminished values in the visible region. Reflectivity increased with photon energy before decreasing at higher energies. Novelty: Cobalt doping significantly alters both structural and optical properties of ZnO films, with distinct changes in lattice constants, grain size, and optical behavior, suggesting a potential route for optimizing ZnO-based materials. Implications: Cobalt-doped ZnO films hold promise for improved performance in optoelectronic applications, such as solar cells and sensors, necessitating further research into diverse doping strategies to fully harness their technological potential. Highlights: Cobalt doping alters ZnO thin films' structural and optical properties. Spin coating method used at 3000 rpm for 30 seconds. Enhanced optical properties suitable for optoelectronic applications. Keywords: Thin films, Zinc oxide, Cobalt doping, Optical properties, X-ray diffraction

IoT enabled carbon cloth-based 3D printed hydrogen fuel cell integrated with supercapacitor for low-power microelectronic devices

A Hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) broad range associated with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that require slightly less and constant electricity made possible by remote climate monitoring connections. Novelty demonstrates a miniature HFC based on carbon cloth electrodes and sealing elements manufactured via 3D printing. Cobalt (II) Oxide (Co3O4)—reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) and Platinum (Pt) based nanoparticles are coated over carbon cloth to increase the catalytic activity at the anode and cathode. Hydrogen is produced by using an aluminium foil (Al) that is stored in between the filter paper and through capillary action the sodium hydroxide pellets (NaOH) are applied and reacted with Al foil to produce hydrogen. The single HFC device working surface area of 1 × 1 cm2 effectively generates an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.3 V, a current density of 1.602 mA/cm2, and a peak power density of 761 mW/cm2. The fuel cell stability performance is monitored for up to 10 h. The power obtained from the HFC is stored in a supercapacitor and used to supply energy to the IoT component. The module includes a built-in sensor that monitors the temperature, pressure, and humidity. The measured data is then transmitted to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Synthetic opal decorated by Co and Ce oxides as a nanoreactor for the catalytic CO oxidation

Macroporous synthetic opal grown from non-porous silica nanoparticles and decorated by Co and Ce oxides was applied for the catalytic CO oxidation in the inert (TOX) and H2-rich (PROX) gas mixtures. Prepared materials were studied by methods of SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, XPS and FTIR spectroscopy. The relationship between synthesis conditions, structure, and catalytic behavior of composites is discussed. The best Co-O-Ce interaction and the highest activity in the CO-TOX and PROX are achieved when cerium oxide was added prior to the addition of cobalt oxide. In this case highly dispersed particles of Co3O4 and CeO2 are located in close proximity on the silica surface and anchored between the opal spheres. The use of Co/Ce decorated synthetic opal as a nanoreactor for the catalytic oxidation of CO in the H2 excess makes it possible to achieve 99.5 % conversion of CO at 150°C, the high efficiency and selectivity of the process are maintained in multiple cyclic tests in heating and cooling modes. The synergistic activity of Co and Ce oxides was observed when they both were located together on the outer surface of non-porous SiO2 nanospheres. These results are superior to known data for other catalysts based on Co and Ce oxides.

Controllable synthesis of carbon supported cobalt monoxide anode and high-voltage lithium cobalt oxide cathode with enhanced lithium-ion storage

Natural macromolecule amylose (AM) is employed to deoxygenate few-layered graphene oxide (GO) and modulate the surface interaction between GO sheets and Co2+ ions under mild hydrothermal conditions. The obtained Co2+ ions and AM molecule jointly decorated reduced graphene oxide (Co-AM/RGO) sample is further utilized to synthesize both anode and cathode materials with controlled microstructures. To synthesize anode material, the Co-AM/RGO can be directly converted to a hierarchical AM pyrolyzed carbon and RGO supported cobalt monoxide nanocomposite (CoO@AMC/RGO) after a simple inert gas protected thermal treatment. To synthesize cathode material, a carbon coated nano-sized lithium cobalt oxide sample (LiCoO2/C, LCO/C) can be obtained after a solid-state reaction in air by mixing lithium salt with the Co-AM/RGO. The CoO and LCO nanocrystals with significantly controlled sizes are well dispersed in the carbon matrices. The CoO@AMC/RGO anode shows a high reversible capacity of 785.25 mAh·g−1 after 500 cycles at 200 mA·g−1 and 608.25 mAh·g−1 after 700 cycles at 1000 mA·g−1, while the LCO/C cathode delivers a superior reversible capacity of 140.91 mAh·g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA·g−1 with a high cut-off voltage of 4.6 V. This work provides a new perspective for controllable engineering of electrode materials with enhanced lithium-ion storage performances.

Facile one-step solvothermal synthesis of Co3O4/CuO nanoflowers as an excellent catalyst for CO oxidation in coal mines

In the present study, Cobalt oxide (Co3O4)/Copper oxide (CuO) nanoflower catalysts were synthesized through a one-step solvothermal method, and the impact of various factors, including reaction time, on the catalytic activity of the catalysts towards carbon monoxide (CO) was investigated. The results showed that the catalysts synthesized at 140 °C and a reaction time of 4 h provided the best catalytic performance for carbon monoxide, and the regular nanoflower-like morphology provided a larger specific surface area as well as a greater number of active sites, allowing the instantaneous 100 % elimination of CO at 200 °C. Additionally, a plausible reaction mechanism was elucidated, wherein CO initially adsorbed onto the sample's surface, subsequently reacting with lattice oxygen to form intermediate carbonate species. This process ultimately led to the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), followed by the desorption of CO2 molecules from the sample's surface. The results demonstrate that these composite catalysts effectively mitigate CO levels during CO over limit in coal mines, thereby enhancing the safety of production personnel.

Prevention of morphological change for (Ba,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3 cathodes by incorporating (Ce,Gd)O2 for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) generally exhibits superior cathode activity compared to La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). However, the chemical stability of BSCF is inferior to that of LSCF. When BSCF cathodes are sintered at a high temperature of 1050 °C, performance was compromised due to the formation of (Ba,Sr)ZrO3 between the scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) interlayer. The oxide ionic conductivity of (Ba,Sr)ZrO3 was low, decreasing the cathode performance. Furthermore, the BSCF grains enlarged, and cobalt oxide formed due to BSCF decomposition, decreasing the active specific surface area. However, by incorporating GDC into the BSCF cathode, the morphology remained unchanged and cobalt oxide formation was prevented, despite (Ba,Sr)ZrO3 still forming. The performance of the cell with the BSCF-GDC composite cathode surpassed that with the BSCF cathode due to decreased polarization resistance attributed to the oxygen surface exchange and diffusion processes in the cathode.

Unprecedented electrochemical activity of GdCoO3-gC3N4 nanocomposite for bifunctional oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction

Development of highly competent and stable electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting to attain oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desired. Here in present work, gadolinium cobalt oxide (GdCoO3), graphitized carbon nitride (gC3N4), and their composite is fabricated via hydrothermal method, and then used as electrocatalysts for OER and HER. The prepared electrocatalysts underwent rigorous characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to unravel their structural composition. To further unravel their morphological and textural aspects, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques were employed. Intriguingly, the synergy of nanoparticles GdCoO3 anchored onto thin nanosheets of gC3N4 exhibited a remarkable surge in OER and HER activities in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte solution. The composite material showed a remarkable reduction in onset potential of 0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl for OER. On the other hand, impressively it shows the low overpotentials of 210 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1. Notably, for HER the nanocomposite requires an onset potential of 0.01 V vs Ag/AgCl and 230 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The enhanced results are due to that the GdCoO3 nanoparticles integrated onto the nanosheets of gC3N4 shows high surface area and synergistic effect exhibited, which displayed good stability, and are useful for commercial applications. Thus, the exceptional OER performance of the composite combined with its good electrochemical properties, positions it as a viable option for large-scale and sustainable water splitting technologies.