Jul 10 2013
The potential for nanoparticles to be used in biological, chemical, and industrial areas is infinite. Researchers are working on new applications constantly.
This article discusses the properties and applications of cobalt oxide nanoparticles. Cobalt is a Block D, Period 4 element, while oxygen is a Block P, Period 2 element. Cobalt can be found in cobaltite, erythrite, glaucodot and skutterudite ores.
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles appear as a white powder with spinel crystal structure. They are an important magnetic material, and are P-type semiconductors. When nano-cobalt oxide is exposed to the hydrogen flame and heated to 900°C (1652°F), it changes into metal cobalt.
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles are graded as harmful to humans and dangerous for the environment. They can be harmful if swallowed, and cause allergic skin reactions. They are also very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Co3O4 |
| CAS No. |
1308-06-1 |
| Group |
Cobalt 9
Oxygen 16 |
| Electronic configuration |
Cobalt [Ar] 3d7 4s2
Oxygen [He] 2s2 2p4 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Cobalt |
73,42 |
| Oxygen |
26.57 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
6.11 g/cm3 |
0.220 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
74.93 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
895°C |
1643°F |
| Boiling point |
900°C |
1652°F |
Manufacturing Process
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles can be manufactured by a homogeneous precipitation method using various synthetic conditions. The cobalt oxide nanoparticles formed via thermal decomposition of the cobalt hydroxides in air at 350°C (662°F). Cobalt oxide nanoparticles can then be characterized by a variety of analytical techniques.
Applications
The key applications of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are as follows:
- In micro-electronics
- As a magnetic nanoparticles with numerous uses in microbatteries, nanowires, and specific alloy and catalyst applications
- In catalysis, superconductors, electronic ceramics and other fields as an important inorganic material
- As catalyst and catalyst carriers
- As an electrode active materials
- For glass, porcelain colorants and pigments
- Chemical industry oxidants
- Senior goggles and other filter materials
- As carbides
- In temperature and gas sensors
- In electrochromic devices
- In enamels, grinding wheels, and solar energy absorbers
Source: AZoNano