Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis Leaf Extract Stabilized Co3O4 Nanoparticles and its Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties

The present work focusses on the green synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis leaf extract and to investigate its structural, optical, morphological and magnetic properties. The structural information confirmed the formation of spinel type polycrystalline cubic symmetry with space group Fd-3 m. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies revealed the sharp doublet peak in the finger print region pertaining to the Co2+ and Co3+ ions. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of Co3+ and Co2+ ions in which Co3+ ions are present more than Co2+ ions. The UV-Visible spectroscopic studies indicate that there are two characteristic absorptions of Co3O4 NPs indicating the ligand to metal charge transfer. The morphological analysis of Co3O4 NPs using field emission scanning microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, showed irregular shapes of different sizes with Co mostly at surface than the core. The magnetic data revealed the existence of antiferromagnetic nature co-hosting weak ferromagnetism. The detailed explanations of a straightforward and affordable method for creating spinel type Co3O4 and their structural and magnetic properties were explained.