Cobalt oxide/graphene composite for highly efficient CO oxidation and its application in reducing the fire hazards of aliphatic polyesters

Abstract

Tricobalt tetraoxide-functionalized graphene composites (Co₃O₄/graphene) were prepared to reduce the fire hazards of aliphatic polyesters. Characterization of the Co₃O₄/graphene by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the chemical structure. The incorporation of Co₃O₄/graphene into both poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polylactide (PLA) improved the initial degradation temperature, and slowed down the thermal decomposition process. The heat release rate of PBS-Co₃O₄/graphene and PLA-Co₃O₄/graphene composites were reduced by 31% and 40%, respectively, compared with that of the pure PBS and PLA. Moreover, the addition of Co₃O₄/graphene significantly decreased the gaseous products, including hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds and carbon monoxide, which is attributed to the combined properties of the barrier effect and high catalytic activity for CO oxidation of Co₃O₄/graphene.