Green synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles and their applications in thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate and dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract In this paper, we report on the green synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co 3 O 4 NPs) using leaves extract of plant Calotropis gigantea and characterize by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The green synthesized Co 3 O 4 NPs showed excellent catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and burning rate of composite solid propellants (CSPs). Kinetics of slow and rapid thermal decomposition has been investigated by isoconversional and ignition delay methods, respectively. Moreover, the electrocatalytic performance of green synthesized Co 3 O 4 NPs in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) has also been evaluated. The cyclic voltametry measurement shows good electrocatalytic activity of Co 3 O 4 NPs toward the reduction of I 3 − to I − ions.