Synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles via homogeneous precipitation using different synthetic conditions.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles have been prepared via homogeneous precipitation using different synthetic conditions. The effect of using cobalt salts with different anions (nitrate, acetate, chloride and sulphate) and concentrations on the final products has been investigated. The precursors to the cobalt oxide nanoparticles, obtained by the homogeneous precipitation, were found to be alpha-cobalt hydroxides with different stoichiometries. Pink and blue coloured alpha-cobalt hydroxides were obtained depending on the anion and concentration of the cobalt salt used. Co3O4 nanoparticles were obtained by thermal decomposition of the cobalt hydroxides in air at 350 degrees C. The precursors and the cobalt oxide nanoparticles were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques and magnetic properties of the different cobalt oxide nanoparticles have also been investigated.