Synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles via an ionic liquid-assisted methodology at room temperature

Abstract Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through a facile solution oxidation route at room temperature and normal pressure for 6h at first time, using an ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([BMIM]OH) as an assisted agent and electrical conductor. The structure and morphology of as-prepared Co3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD studies indicated that the product was well-crystallized cubic phase of Co3O4 with a cell constant of a = 8.0722A. The SEM images showed that the obtained Co3O4 powders consisted of dispersive quasi-spherical particles with the size ranged from 10 to 50nm. The possible formation mechanism of Co3O4 nanoparticles was simply proposed as well.