Concentration- and temperature-dependent variation of Co3O4 nanoparticle size and morphology: insights into the growth behaviour and scalability†

Abstract

Colloidally stable Co₃O₄ nanoparticles with diameters of 5–16 nm and a concentration-dependent transition from cuboidal to cubic morphologies are synthesised in ambient atmosphere. Through systematic variation of reagent concentration, temperature, and growth time, controllable adjustments of the particle size along with narrow size distributions as low as 12% are achieved. The scalability of the synthesis and the remarkable stability during the growth regime ensure sufficient yield for technical applications.