Polymer-Mediated Synthesis of Fine-Sized Cobalt Particles

A novel method to synthesize monodisperse, fine-sized cobalt particles (average particle size 200 nm) by a polymer matrix (not commonly known for chemical chelation)-mediated sodium borohydride reduction of cobalt chloride has been demonstrated and discussed. As against the conventional concept of using a supramolecule as a growth Poisson during the crystallization of inorganic salt from solution, the present procedure adopts the path very similar to biomineralization. The polymer matrix chelates the cobalt ions by a combined process of physical entrapment and chemical chelation. The process leads to a controlled nucleation and ordered growth of cobalt salt in polymer matrix. Orderly grown cobalt salt on reduction yields monodisperse cobalt particles having uniform size and morphology.