Characterization of the Ultrafine/Nanoparticles of CobaltSynthesizedby Electromagnetic Levitational Gas Condensation Method

Ultrafine/nanoparticles of cobalt(Co) have received a great attention in recent years due to their uniqueproperties and different applicationsas catalysts, medical and industrialdevices. In this study, theultrafine andnanoparticles of Co were produced by using the single‐step, electromagnetic levitational gas condensationtechnique.In this method, Co vapors were condensed by Ar and He‐20%Ar inert gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure. Effects ofthe type and flow rate of the inert gas on the morphology, size and size distribution of the Co particles were studied.Characterization of the produced particles was performed by scanning electron microscopy and X ‐ray diffraction.Results showed that the average particle size produced by Ar gas at atmospheric pressure using the flow rates of 10and 30 liter per minute are 290±180and 210±80 nm, respectively; while using the He‐20%Ar gas mixture, the ultrafineparticles of 340±90 nm with spherical morphology were obtained.

Keywords:

Ultrafine/nanoparticles , metallic cobalt , vapor condensation , electromagnetic levitation