Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Co3O4 Nanoflowers

Co3O4 nanoflowers were prepared through a sequential process of a hydrothermal reaction and heat treatment. The as-synthesized products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and infrared spectrum. These nanoflowers consist of numerous Co3O4 nanofibers, which have diameters of 20-40 nm, and lengths ranging from 100 nm to 500 nm. They have pore structures and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of ?34.61 m2/g. The temperature dependence curves of magnetization in zero-field-cooled conditions and field-cooled indicate mainly antiferromagnetism and weak ferromagnetism of Co3O4 nanoflowers at blocking temperature of ?34 K respectively.