LAUSR

Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) was reduced to metallic Co using the nut shells of pistachio by heat treatment at temperatures of 1400°C and 1500°C in an argon gas atmosphere. This method for reducing Cobalt Oxide may provide a valuable route for reclaiming nanoparticles of metallic Co from waste material. Rietveld analysis of the x-ray diffraction profiles showed the presence of two phases of Co; FCC (γ-Co), and ΒCC phase of Co in addition to the presence of C in the graphite phase. The samples synthesized by processing at 1400°C showed only the FCC phase of Co whereas mixed phases of FCC and BCC Co were formed for samples heat treated at 1500°C. The magnetic properties were determined using VSM and FMR measurements. A magnetic saturation value of 160 emu/g was determined for the FCC phase which is consistent with the literature value. On the other hand, the magnetic saturation value of BCC Co was measured to be 214 emu/g. Magnetic data suggest the average magnetic moment is consistent with FCC cobalt. This simple method of producing BCC-Co has potential industrial and possible medical applications such as magnetic sensors, electromagnetic shielding, magnetic memory, magnetic fluids, magnetic composites and catalysis.