Controlling Synthesis of Metal Organic Framework Derived Zn/Co/Ni Oxide Nanocomposites for Applications

Metal-organic framework (MOF) has received much attention to prepare metal oxides, demonstrating many applications in sensing, catalysis and energy storage and conversion. Herein, a two-step procedure by a metal organic frameworks route was used fabricate ZnO dodecahedra, Co3O4 dodecahedra, ZnO/Co3O4 and Co3O4/NiO composites. The growth mechanisms for these unique structures are illustrated. As applications, ZnO dodecahedra perform remarkable sensitivity to ethanol in sensing experiments. The CO catalytic oxidation activity of Co3O4 dodecahedra is employed and showed decreased catalytic performance with the increased calcinations temperature. ZnO/Co3O4 composites show enhanced electrochemical performance and photocatalytic activities, which result from its unique porous structure, high specific surface area and the synergistic effect between ZnO and Co3O4. In addition, Co3O4/NiO composites show remarkable specific capacitance and excellent stability, superior to that of the pure Co3O4. Moreover, this MOF-driven method could be utilizable to prepare other metal oxide for various applications.