Solid-state synthesis and characterization of core–shell CoFe2O4–carbon composite nanoparticles from a heterometallic trinuclear complex

In the present work, core–shell CoFe2O4–carbon composite nanoparticles (CCNPs) were synthesized via the thermolysis of a heterometallic trinuclear complex [CoFe2O(CH3COO)6(H2O)3·2H2O] in a one-end closed horizontal tube furnace. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and EDX analyses revealed a pure ferrite phase with high crystallinity and the composition elements of C, Co, Fe and O with the rate of Co, Fe, and O to the CoFe2O4 theoretical value. Raman spectroscopy indicates amorphous carbon in the products. Morphological investigation by SEM and TEM showed the CCNPs have an average particle size of 50 nm coated with carbon on the surface. The reaction temperatures were evaluated and magnetic measurement shows that the formed CCNPs have smaller saturation magnetization than bulk cobalt ferrite at room temperature.

Core–shell CoFe2O4–carbon composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of a heterometallic trinuclear complex of [CoFe2O(CH3COO)6(H2O)3·2H2O].Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide