Impact of synthesis parameters on structural and magnetic characteristics of Co-based nanoparticles

Two different Co-based nanostructures were produced via thermolytic decomposition or reduction of proper cobalt precursors in organic solvents under vigorous stirring. The effect of synthesis parameters on the shape, size, and composition of the particles was examined. We present the differences in the structural and magnetic properties among the as-prepared sub-micron Co 'polypod-like' particles, which display a remarkable value for saturation magnetization (182 emu/g), and the hollow CoO nanoparticles, which exhibit weak ferromagnetic features.