Nano-filler Co-nanoparticles embedded in a Silica aerogel matrix

Abstract

In present research, we synthesized cobalt-based silica nanocomposites (Co-SiO₂) from cobalt nitrate [Co(NO₃)₂] and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) precursors by using a simple sol-gel method followed by supercritical drying techniques. The physicochemical and textual properties of the as synthesized nano composites were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that the Co-SiO₂ aerogels demonstrated homogeneous dispersion cobalt nanoparticles within silica matrix with mesoporous morphology, large specific surface area (802 m²/g) and larger pore size (9 nm) with less volume shrinkage. The physico-chemical properties of the cobalt based silica nanomaterial were characterized by XRD, SEM, N₂ adsorption-desorption and FTIR techniques. Cobalt-based silica nanocomposites can be produced using TEOS-based precursor and supercritical drying techniques. The prepared (Co-SiO₂) nanocatalyst due to its magnetic nature with higher surface area (802 m²/g) can be utilized in many emerging fields such as catalysis, water desalination, water splitting, gas-sensing application and organic pollutant degradation.