Microwave-assisted synthesis of β-Co(OH)2 and Co3O4 nanosheets via a layered precursor conversion method

Single crystalline beta-Co(OH)(2) nanosheets have been synthesized from a layered precursor cobalt(II) acetate hydroxide by microwave heating. The average thickness of -Co(OH)(2) nanosheets is similar to 10 nm, with particle sizes up to 360 nm. The layered precursor was prepared using Co(CH3COO)(2)center dot 4H(2)O, ethylene glycol, and H2O in some cases by microwave heating. Co3O4 nanosheets have been synthesized by hydrothermal oxidation of the layered precursor cobalt(II) acetate hydroxide using H2O2.