Shape-controlled synthesis and properties of uniform spinel cobalt oxide nanocubes

Inorganic nanoparticles with controlled size and shape seem especially technologically important due to the strong correlation between these parameters and their magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties. Herein we demonstrate that uniform spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanocubes can be successfully synthesized on a large scale via a facile hydrothermal synthetic route under mild conditions. The size and shape of final products can be readily tuned in a wide range by tuning process parameters such as hydrothermal time, reaction temperature, surfactant, concentration, and molar ratios of starting material.