Impact of precursor concentration on biological synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles.

The data provided in the article is in association with the journal article "Synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using endophytic fungus Aspergillus nidulans". Characterization data (ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM)) of nanoparticles synthesized using different precursor concentrations (2 mM and 10 mM) have been presented in this article. Data obtained by t-test and F-test have been given for absorbance values exhibited by nanoparticles synthesized using different concentrations. Required figures and table have been depicted.

Biosynthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using endophytic fungus Aspergillus nidulans.

Metallic oxide nanoparticles have profound applications in electrochemical devices, supercapacitors, biosensors and batteries. Though four fungi were isolated from Nothapodytes foetida, Aspergillus nidulans was found to be suitable for synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, as it has proficient tolerance towards metal under study. The broth containing precursor solution and organism Aspergillus nidulans had changed from pink to orange indicating the formation of nanoparticles. Characterization by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the formation of spinel cobalt oxide nanoparticles at an average size of 20.29 nm in spherical shape with sulfur-bearing proteins acting as a capping agent for the synthesized nanoparticles. The nanoparticles could be applied in energy storage, as a specific capacitance of 389 F/g showed competence. The study was a greener attempt to synthesize cobalt oxide nanoparticles using endophytic fungus.