Nanodispersed cobalt particles in a thermolysed poly(acrylonitrile) matrix

Abstract

The formation of nanodispersed (D ≈ 10nm)β-Co particles in a polymeric matrix is demonstrated, by thermolysing films of poly(acrylonitrile) containing homogeneously distributed [Co(dimethylformamide)6²⁺][Co(CO)₄^–]₂. Superparamagnetic behaviour is evident in these particles as determined by ferromagnetic resonance. Small-angle X-ray scattering is used to quantify the average particle size. The size of the Co particles can be controlled either by varying the thermolysis conditions or the loading of Co in the films prior to thermolysis.