Mechanochemical route to synthesize Co3O4/CuO composite nanopowders

Abstract

Co3O4/CuO composite nanopowders have been successfully synthesized by heating the precursor obtained via
a mechanochemical reaction. The precursor and the nanopowders were characterized using thermogravimetric
(TG), X- ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM). Subsequent thermal treatment of
the precursor at 550- 700 °C in air for 2 h resulted in the formation of Co3O4/CuO nanopowders with an average
crystal size of about 25-50 nm, varying with the calcination temperature. The mechanism of nanocrystallite
growth is primarily investigated. The morphology of the synthesized Co3O4/CuO nanopowders is in irregular
polyhedron shape and the mechanism of NaCl used as diluent have been analyzed. The mechanochemical
route is a novel, cheap and convenient technique suitable for large-scale synthesis of composite
nanomaterials.