The Preparation of Supported NiO and Co_3O_4 Nanoparticles by the Nitric Oxide Controlled Thermal Decomposition of Nitrates

摘要

Metal (oxide) nanoparticles smaller than about 20 nm have received widespread interest recently because of their envisioned applications in electronics, optics, and magnetic storage devices.[1] They are currently used as catalysts for the production of fuels and chemicals and the reduction of environmental pollution.[2] High surface-to-volume ratios are important for these particles since catalytic processes take place at the metal (oxide) surface; therefore supports such as SiO2 and Al2O3 are generally used to obtain small and thermally stable particles. Furthermore, the use of inert matrices allows the design of materials for specific applications, such as drug-delivery systems.