Synthesis and characterization of NiCo2O4 spinel using gelatin as an organic precursor

This paper describes a fast and facile method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline powders using gelatin as an organic-directing agent. NiCo2O4 powders were successfully prepared by this modified Pechini method using metallic nitrates as cation sources and a commercial gelatin as the organic precursor. The prepared samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the synthesis route proposed in this paper favored the formation of NiCo2O4 spinel phase at low temperature (350 °C). However, a secondary phase identified as a solid solution NixCo1−xO was also observed. The results revealed that increasing the heating temperature leads to an increase of the amount of secondary phase.

► NiCo2O4 powders have been prepared using commercial gelatin as organic precursor.
► XRD patterns showed the formation of NiCo2O4 and a NixCo1−xO solid solution.
► Materials showed high porosity and homogeneous distribution of particle size.
► Proposed method is an alternative way to produce nanocrystalline powders.