Controlled synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ag-doped Co3O4 nanorods

Ag-doped cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanorods were successfully synthesized using hydrothermal route at 90, 120, 150, and 180 °C. The face-centered cubic structure of Co3O4 was confirmed through X-ray diffraction pattern. A well-defined Raman active mode of vibrations (Eg + F2g + A1g) revealed the cubic Co3O4 formation. The morphology of Ag-doped Co3O4 nanorods was revealed from scanning electron microscopy images. High specific capacitance of 584 F/g at scan rate of 5 mV/s was obtained for the product synthesized at 150 °C. The improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for the synthesized materials was observed using linear sweep voltammogram, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. The obtained Ag-Co3O4 nanomaterials have more possibility to be adapted as OER catalyst for water splitting application.