Preparation of Co3O4/carbon nanocomposite and their structural, optical and magnetic studies

Cobalt oxide (Co3O4)/carbon nanocomposite was prepared, by using precursors such as cobalt salt, alkaline base pellets and citric acid, in the presence of glucose as a carbon matrix by the aqueous thermal method. The composites consisted of Co3O4 embedded in the carbon matrix, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results indicated the formation of Co3O4 (face centered cubic phase)/C. The Fourier transform infrared, FT-Raman and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis was further confirmed the formation of the Co3O4/C. The scanning electron microscopy image of the Co3O4/C nanocomposite spherical particles was observed in the size range of ~15-20 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum of the Co3O4/C nanocomposite were observed in the visible emission region. The magnetic properties of the Co3O4/C nanocomposite were measured, by using the vibrating sample magnetometer, which showed that the hysteresis loop exhibited ferromagnetic behavior with a coercivity of 197 Oe.