Synthesis and characterization of nano sized cobalt oxide by precipitation method

Abstract

In the present work, cobalt oxide nanoparticles were prepared by using precipitation method. The cobalt nitrate [Co (No3)2] and ammonium oxalate [C2H8N2O4] were used as precursors for the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and the resultant product was Calcinated at 400˚C for 2 hrs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) to analyze the structural and morphological properties. The XRD pattern of the synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibits cubic structure with the average crystalline size of 8.06 nm. The functional groups of the synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by using FTIR spectrum (400 to 4000 cm-1). In the synthesized sample and its purity were confirmed from EDAX spectrum. The surface morphology of the synthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles shows spherical morphology. The optical properties of the synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles were investigated by photoluminescence spectrum which shows a minor emission at around 440 nm.