Influence of stabilizing agents on structural and optical properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted method

Abstract

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile and convenient sonochemical method, followed by a calcination process. For the synthesis, cobalt nitrate, and sodium borohydride were used as precursors. Polyvinyl alcohol, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and styrene were used as a stabilizing agent. To identify the structure, optical properties and morphology, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. To explain the formation mechanism of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, some investigations were carried out before thermal annealing. In addition, the particle size was tuned by variation of the concentration of 3-mercaptopropionic acid.