Controlled Synthesis of One-Dimensional Single-Crystal Co3O4 Nanowires

Abstract

Uniform Co3O4 nanowires with diameters of ~80 nm and lengths of 10–20 μm have been prepared by a hydrothermal reaction and sequential decomposition of the intermediate product. Transmission electron microscopy characterization and selected-area electron diffraction patterns show that the nanowires elongate along the [110] direction. The amount of CO(NH2)2 employed and the heating rate of calcination have a key effect on the morphology of the product. In addition, analysis of the optical properties indicates a blue shift of the bandgaps and reveals the semiconductive nature of the products.