Synthesis of Spherical and Fine Cobalt Powders from Cobalt Oxalate

Abstract

Spherical and fine cobalt powders were prepared by thermal decomposition of cobalt oxalate precipitated in the presence of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF). The morphology and phase structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The aspect ratio was calculated by image tool software and the average size of cobalt particles was measured by laser particle size analyzer. The results indicate that both products prepared from cobalt oxalate with or without PEMF give rise to the formation of β-Co. The morphology of both products is similar to that of the precursors. The presence of PEMF plays an important role in formation of spherical and fine cobalt particles.