Synthesis and Spectroscopic Investigation of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles

Hydroxyethyl cellulose and cobalt chloride are used as precursor materials for the synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles. A composite system from polymer and metal chloride is prepared via casting technique. The thermal decomposition of the composite is studied using thermogravimetric technique. Calcination of the composite system at 350 degrees C resulted in the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the presence of crystalline Co3O4 with an average particle size of around 15 nm. The bonding nature and morphology of nanosized Co3O4 are examined using transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The Tauc's plot indicates the energy band gap for direct allowed transition as 3.2 eV and 1.4 eV. (C) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers