A systematic study of cobalt doped In sub(2)O sub(3) nanoparticles and their applications

Abstract

An assortment of various properties of Cobalt (Co)-doped In sub(2)O sub(3) nanoparticles has been presented. Nanoparticles in the range 15–25 nm have been prepared by a solution combustion method. Thermal analysis (TG–DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) has been employed to study the precursors. Phase identification of the calcined samples has been done by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanometric particle size and porous nature has been observed in microscopic analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) validates the presence of high-spin divalent Co sup(2+) in the doped samples. Two probe DC electrical resistivity measurements show increase in resistivity values on Co doping. Magnetic measurements carried out on vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) reveal weak ferromagnetism at 300 K, whereas paramagnetic/antiferromagnetic ordering is found to be more favourable at lower temperature. The potential of nanoparticles as a catalyst for CO oxidation has been evaluated, complete CO conversion is obtained at 130 degrees C for In sub(1.88)Co sub(0.12)O sub(3) composition.