Synthesis and characterization of nano-size CoAl2O4 spinel powder using sol-gel process

Nano-size CoAl2O4 spinel powders were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Co(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O, Al(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O and C6H8O7 center dot H2O were used as precursor materials. The formation of CoAl2O4 crystals occurred when the precursors were calcined at 400 degrees C in air for 1 h. Homogeneous CoAl2O4 spinel powders with a particle size of similar to 88.3 nm and with a specific surface area of similar to 69.2 m(2).g(-1) were obtained. The gel formation, microstructure and optical properties of the CoAl2O4 spinel powders were characterized by TG-DTA, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, BET and UV-Vis. techniques.