Cobalt titanate nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, optical and photocatalytic properties

Pure cobalt titanate nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by polymeric precursor method with the aid of cobalt nitrate, tetra-n-butyl titanate, citric acid and propylene glycol. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as obtained products were characterized by techniques such X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, scanning electronmicroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The samples indicated a paramagnetic behavior, as evidenced by using vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline cobalt titanate, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.