Self-template synthesis of magnetic cobalt nanotube based on Kirkendall effect

Abstract

In this manuscript, a self-template synthesis strategy is firstly demonstrated for the preparation of cobalt nanotube. The strategy includes two steps of hydrothermal method and the following sintered process. The first hydrothermal step is the synthesis of Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11·H2O nanorod as core materials. The second step involves the hydrothermal carbonization of glucose to prepare core–shell structured Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11·H2O@C nanorod as template. Finally, the core–shell nanorod is converted to Co nanotube via Kirkendall approach through thermal treatment. TEM, SEM, and XRD techniques are employed to characterize the intermediates and final products, systemically revealing the synthesis process of Co nanotube. The mechanism of the self-template transformation process should be assigned to Kirkendall effect. And the magnetic properties of the present Co nanotube are measured. Moreover, we believe that, this synthesis strategy may act as a universal method to obtain other kinds of tubular nanostructures, such as metal or metal oxides.