One-step solvothermal synthesis of Co3O4/Co(OH)2 hybrids as a catalyst for visible-light-driven water oxidation

Abstract Co3O4/Co(OH)2 hybrid material was synthesized by a facile solvothermal method and applied as a catalyst for photocatalytic water oxidation. The results show the as-synthesized product is a hybrid structure of nano-cubic Co3O4 and hexagonal lamellar Co(OH)2. Such unique nanostructure has been shown to be superior to the single component of Co3O4 and Co(OH)2 in photocatalytic applications. A high turnover frequency (TOF) of 1.85 × 10−2 s−1 per metal atom was obtained over Co3O4/Co(OH)2 catalyst, which also shows an initial quantum yield of 29.42%. This unique Co3O4/Co(OH)2 catalyst has good photocatalytic activity and is expected to be an efficient and cheap photocatalyst for water oxidation.