Color-controlled nonstoichiometric spinel-type cobalt gallate nanopigments prepared by supercritical hydrothermal synthesis

Spinel-type inorganic pigments with intensive color and chemical/thermal stability are showing extensive applications that could be further broadened by color manipulation and improvement of the material properties through nanosizing. In this study, we report the supercritical hydrothermal synthesis of nonstoichiometric spinel-type cobalt gallate nanoparticles (Co-Ga NPs) with controlled color. Without the conventional calcination procedure, NPs with greenish-blue, blue, and yellowish-green colors were synthesized from precursor solutions at pH 7, 9, and 11, respectively, with a low Co/Ga molar ratio of 0.25. X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy methods suggest that the products were spinel-type cobalt gallate NPs with high crystallinity and a nonstoichiometric composition. Based on an X-ray absorption fine structure investigation, the prepared nonstoichiometric Co-Ga NPs were found to have different cationic configurations from stoichiometric CoGa2O4 produced by a solid-state reaction during calcination. Meanwhile, the degrees of distortions at tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the NPs were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy. In particular, nonstoichiometric Co-Ga NPs with a blue color were prepared without calcination for the first time and were found to have lower tetrahedral cobalt occupancy but comparable octahedral cobalt occupancy and larger polyhedral distortions at tetrahedral sites when compared to calcined CoGa2O4. We also discuss strategies that could realize Co-Ga NPs with a more brilliant blue color using the present technique based on an investigation of the growth process.

Automated summary

In this study, nonstoichiometric spinel-type cobalt gallate nanoparticles (Co-Ga NPs) were synthesized using the supercritical hydrothermal method with controlled color. The NPs showed high crystallinity and a nonstoichiometric composition. Comparison with calcined CoGa2O4 NPs revealed different cationic configurations and larger polyhedral distortions in the nonstoichiometric Co-Ga NPs. Strategies for achieving a more brilliant blue color were also discussed based on the investigation of the growth process.