Cobalt Nanocubes in Ionic Liquids: Synthesis and Properties

Abstract

Cubes and spheres: The simple thermal decomposition of [Co2(CO)8] dispersed in 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium ionic liquids can preferentially generate either ligand-free cobalt nanocubes or spherical nanoparticles, depending on the type of ionic liquid and the decomposition time. These nanostructures can act as selective catalysts in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.