Synthesis of Co2P/Co nanocomposites using single source precursor by thermal decomposition method

In this article, the synthesis and characterization of Co₂P/Co nanocomposites are reported. Three kinds of precursors are studied: bis(salicylidene)cobalt(II) [Co(sal)₂], bis(salicylate)cobalt(II) [Co(Hsal)₂] and cobalt oxalate [Co(O₄C₂)·4H₂O]. The cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate Co(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O is used as reference. The nanocomposites are prepared by thermal decomposition method using triphenylphosphine as a surfactant solvent and phosphorus precursor. A possible mechanism of the formation of the nanocomposites is put forward to explain the experimental observations. This is the first time that Co₂P/Co nanocomposites are synthesized. To study the crystalline structure, composition, size, morphology and magnetic property of the products, characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and VSM are employed.