Synthesis of flower-like cobalt nanostructures: optimization by Taguchi design

In this research, flower-like cobalt nanostructures were synthesized in a solution of water and ethylene glycol under microwave radiation without using metal foils or templates for self-assembly. The synthesized nanoparticles were completely stable in free air. Size distribution and phase of nanoparticles can be controlled through the synthetic process. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform IR (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements were carried out to investigate the structural properties and to interpret the formation process of flower-like cobalt nanostructures. Size distribution and average size of particles were determined by Dynamic Laser Light Scattering (DLLS) measurements. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the thermal stability of cobalt nanoparticles. All experiments were designed to fulfill the L₈ Taguchi design and data analysis was performed using MINITAB software.