Synthesis of cobalt aluminates by using the peel extracts of Citrus family species

Abstract

Synthesis of cobalt aluminate was achieved by using the peel extracts of Citrus family species. The peel extracts of lemon, orange and mandarin were used as capping agent in experimental step. These peels were extracted through varied solvents including water, ethanol and methanol. In this regard, the efficacies of the peel type and the extraction liquid were surveyed in the study, using a co-precipitation technique in the synthesis of CoAl2O4 spinel. Samples compared in different parameters were subjected to a range of analyses consisting of colorimetry, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and thermal examinations. The minimum b* value was reached as –14.23 in the sample with a capping agent provided by the orange peel extract, extraction liquid of which is water. The results denoted successful crystal structure scores and single-phase CoAl2O4 formation as well as the occurrence of a double-phase configuration. The highest XRD score of 83 was obtained for CoAl2O4. Considering SEM results, the lowest and highest particle size distributions were found between 100–150 nm and 350–800 nm, respectively. In the research, cobalt aluminate synthesis was carried out by means of modifying agents prepared with the peels of Citrus family species using different solvents.