Ab initio methods resolve mechanism behind carboxylic acid functionalisation of cobalt nanoparticles and identify the fate dissociated hydrogen atoms.

Cobalt sulphide nanoparticles solely confined within the nanopores of a water-stable Zr-based MOF are synthesized by two-step approach.

First direct images of cobalt nanoparticles covered by a few atomic layers thick TiO(x) moieties after reduction treatment of a Co/TiO(2) system with the simultaneous formation of Co-O-Ti bonds confirm the development of the SMSI decoration effect.

Strong size-dependent variations of the magnetic anisotropy of embedded cobalt clusters are evidenced quantitatively by combining magnetic experiments and advanced data treatment. The obtained values are discussed in the frame of two theoretical models that demonstrate the decisive role of the shape in larger nanoparticles and the predominant role of the surface anisotropy in clusters below 3 n...

We report on a self-assembled system comprising of a molecular H(2) production cobalt catalyst attached on a ruthenium dye-sensitised TiO(2) nanoparticle. Visible light irradiation of the dispersed nanoparticles in the presence of the sacrificial electron donor triethanolamine produces H(2) photocatalytically in pH neutral water and at room temperature.

Weakly ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles can assemble spontaneously into nanosized "bracelets" when dispersed in organic solvents containing resorcinarenes as surfactants. Bracelet self-assembly occurs in solution and is directed by magnetic dipolar interactions, whereas nanoparticle rings with larger diameters are produced by evaporation-driven flow on wetted surfaces.

The preparation of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) assemblies was conducted by the synthesis and dipolar assembly of ferromagnetic core-shell nanoparticles composed of AuNP cores and cobalt NP shells. Dissolution of metallic Co phases with mineral acids afforded self-assembled AuNP chains and bracelets.

The molecular magnet material, cobalt-Prussian Blue, has been synthesized using chitosan as a morphological structure-directing agent. The strong chelating ability of the biopolymer ensures that the inorganic phase remains nanoparticulate. SQUID magnetometry reveals that the nanoparticles exhibit a sharp ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic transition at 16 K.

Cage-shaped proteins with an affinity for carbonaceous materials were constructed and used to assemble a nanostructure in which single-walled carbon nanotubes are surrounded by cobalt oxide nanoparticles with nanometre gaps. By changing the size of proteins and materials incorporated inside the cavity, similar structures with distinctively different properties can be fabricated.

The pyrolysis of transition metal carboxylates into organically modified silica glass-ZrO2 hybrid sol-gel films yields composite materials containing cobalt oxide nanoparticles in various proportions. The particles have sizes ranging from 5 to 10 nm, and they are homogeneously dispersed in the final materials. A reaction temperature near 250°C results in translucent films that have good mechani...