Water-assisted and surfactant-free synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanospheres via solvothermal method.

With ethylene glycol as the solvent, monodispersed cobalt ferrite nanospheres were prepared via a solvothermal method assisted by water. The samples were mainly characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The size of as-prepared products ranges from 10 nm to 200 nm. Size distribution and chemical composition were controlled by the amount of water and pH value in the reaction system. More important, suitable amount of water can avoid the use of surfactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]