Synthesis of Cu and Co metal oxide nanoparticles from thermal decomposition of tartrate complexes

Cu and Co metal oxide nanoparticles were obtained from the thermal decomposition of the corresponding tartrate complexes ([M(C4H2O6)n]m, M = Cu(II), Co(II)). The complexes were prepared by metathesis reactions in water and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermal gravimetric analysis and high resolution mass spectrometry. The metal complexes were calcined at 500 °C for 5 h and the metal oxides obtained were characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. XRD analysis showed that the obtained oxides are crystalline and corresponded to the CuO and Co3O4 phases. Crystal size, shape and crystallinity were determined by SEM and TEM.

Calcination of cobalt (II) and copper (II) tartrate complexes yield the corresponding metal oxide nanoparticles. The average sizes of the nanoparticles for Co3O4 and CuO, were determined by SEM and TEM, are diverse in morphology and crystalline. This preparation technique is easy, simple and highly recommended to obtain good yields of nanomaterial at a very low-price, with good crystallinity, and no impurities.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Metal tartrates were used as precursors for the preparation of nanostructured metal oxides.
► Co3O4 and CuO nanoparticles were obtained in high yield by thermal decomposition of metal complexes.
► Pure and crystalline metal oxides were obtained according with FTIR, SEM, TEM, SAED and XRD analyses.
► Metal oxide nanoparticles within sizes ranging from 100 to 300 nm (Co3O4) and 25 to 100 nm (CuO) were synthesized.