Sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured cobalt oxide in four different ionic liquids

Abstract In this paper we report on the sol-gel synthesis of cobalt oxide in four different ionic liquids with two cations and anions. The employed are; 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate ([EMIm]TfO), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium ([Py 1,4 ]TfO), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIm]TFSA), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidiniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ]TFSA). influence cation anion morphology synthesized oxides was explored. results showed that octahydron-shaped Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles average sizes depending type liquid. imidazolium found to play a significant role reducing particle size nanoparticles. samples prepared imidazolium-based smaller than those pyrrolidinium-based liquids. shape particles not affected by Graphical abstract