CoO and Co3O4 nanoparticles with a tunable particle size

Abstract

In this work we described a simple method of CoO and Co3O4 nanoparticles synthesis with the tunable particle size. Nanoparticles were prepared by thermal decomposition of cobalt glycerolate in a controlled oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere for 1h in the temperature range from 450°C to 650°C. Cobalt glycerolate was prepared by the reaction of cobalt nitrate with glycerol under reflux for 4h. Obtained nanoparticles were analyzed by X-Ray diffraction to obtain information about their phase composition and average particle size, which was calculated using the Scherrer equation. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were also used to confirm the particle sizes. Cobalt oxides nanoparticles with defined size can be prepared only by changing of the decomposition temperature of cobalt oxides precursors. The prepared nanoparticles can be used as sensors, in lithium-ion batteries, or in various nanoelectric devices.