Controlled synthesis of carbon-encapsulated Co nanoparticles by chemical vapor deposition

Communication: Carbon-encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles are prepared over a range of temperatures and partial pressures by CVD from cyclohexane on prepared substrates consisting of ground powders Of SiO2 impregnated with Co(NO3)(2) and (NH4)(2)Mo2O7. The encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles are freed from the incorporated SiO2 and molybdenum by treating the deposition product with aqueous hydrofluoric acid. Extracted material is dispersed in ethanol and deposited on a carbon-coated and prior to investigation by high-resolution TEM.