A FACILE PREPARATION OF ZINC COBALTITE ZnCo₂O₄ NANO STRUCTURE FOR PROMISING SUPERCAPACITOR APPLICATIONS

The shortage in conventional energy source forced worldwide researchers to focus on the alternative source to meet the depletion of natural resources.
Another major issue is global warming due to the emission of greenhouse gases from automobile and industries.

1. A FACILE PREPARATION OF ZINC COBALTITE ZnCo ₂O ₄ NANO STRUCTURE FOR PROMISING SUPERCAPACITOR APPLICATIONS. WELCOME ON THE TOPIC

2. introduction The shortage in conventional energy source forced worldwide researchers to focus on the alternative source to meet the depletion of natural resources. Another major issue is global warming due to the emission of greenhouse gases from automobile and industries. To overcome these issues in present and also in future, various energy sources have been addressed but they still need development to sort out their issues and then searching for alternative energy is more important nowadays . Identification of new and clean energy is part of the problem and the other side is storing the as-produced energy in the device for future usage . Though the batteries are capable of providing the required energy due to their low power density and they couldn’t be used in all electrical devices . These problems were overcome in electrochemical supercapacitor ( ESc ) by the factor of 10–100 times than the batteries.

3. Experimental Details : Materials and Methods : To synthesis spinel ZnCo2O4 nanostructures, the following analytical reagents were used for the synthesis of present samples. Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 99% (Alfa Aesar ), Co(NO3)2·6H2O, 99% (Alfa Aesar ), oxalic acid (H2C2O4·2H2O) and double distilled water. Preparation : Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Co(NO3)2·6H2O and H2C2O4·2H2O (oxalic acid) were used as a precursors for the preparation of ZnCo2O4 via the co-precipitation route. The quantitative amount of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O (2 M) and Co(NO3)2·6H2O (1 M) were dissolved individually in distilled H2O and H2C2O4·2H2O was added into it dropwise as precipitant agent with regular stirring. After 30 min of stirring, the resulted suspension was placed in a conical flask and stirred in an oil bath at 90 °C for an additional 5 h. After that, the obtained precipitate was filtered and washed with ethanol and acetone repeatedly. The precipitate was finally dried in a vacuum oven at 80 °C for 6 h and the final product was calcinated at 400 °C for 4 h. A detailed flow chart has been displayed in Fig.

4. Experimental procedures :

5. Scope of the Work 1. Synthesis and Preparation Develop a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly method for preparing zinc cobaltite ( ZnCo₂O ₄) nanostructures. Explore different facile synthesis techniques (such as hydrothermal, sol–gel, or co-precipitation). 2. Structural and Morphological Characterization Study the nanostructure, surface area, and porosity using techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, and BET analysis. Understand how morphology (nanorods, nanosheets, nanospheres, etc.) affects electrochemical performance. 3. Electrochemical Studies Test ZnCo₂O ₄ nanostructures as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Evaluate key performance parameters: Specific capacitance Energy density & Power density Cycling stability & Coulombic efficiency. 4. Performance Enhancement Optimize synthesis conditions to achieve high conductivity and large surface area. Compare the effect of different nanostructures on charge storage capability.

6. Applications of Degradation of ZnCo₂O ₄ When ZnCo₂O ₄ (zinc cobaltite) degrades, it breaks down into smaller compounds like Zn²⁺ ions, Co²⁺/Co³⁺ ions, and oxides. These changes can actually be useful in many areas: Energy Storage (Batteries & Supercapacitors)During degradation, the surface area and active sites increase. This improves the ability to store and release energy. Hence, degraded ZnCo₂O ₄ is very useful in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Catalysis (Chemical Reactions)Degraded ZnCo₂O ₄ produces more cobalt oxides which act as strong catalysts. It helps in the breakdown of pollutants and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water-splitting. Environmental Applications The degradation products help in removing toxic dyes and heavy metals from waste water. They can also support photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Sensors Degraded ZnCo₂O ₄ changes its conductivity when exposed to gases. This property is used in gas sensors (like detecting CO, NH₃, ethanol vapors). Electrochemical Applications Degraded forms enhance electron transfer. Useful in fuel cells, oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), and other electrochemical devices. APPLICATION

7. Environmental Remediation Zinc cobaltite acts as a photocatalyst that breaks down harmful insecticides into less toxic or harmless compounds. Helps in cleaning contaminated water and soil, reducing pollution caused by pesticide residues. Wastewater Treatment Can be used in wastewater treatment plants to remove insecticide pollutants .Prevents toxic pesticides from entering rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Agricultural Safety By degrading leftover insecticides, ZnCo₂O ₄ reduces the bioaccumulation of pesticides in crops, soil, and water, making agriculture more sustainable. Public Health Protection Prevents long-term exposure of humans and animals to harmful insecticides. Reduces risks of diseases linked with pesticide contamination (cancer, neurological issues, etc.). Green Chemistry Approach ZnCo₂O ₄ is a nanostructured material with high photocatalytic activity under sunlight. Provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to degrade insecticides instead of using harsh chemical methods. Industrial Applications Used in design of catalytic filters or coatings that can degrade pesticide vapors or residues.