Synthesis of Co3O4 nanowires on nickel foam by a novel microwave-assisted template-free method

Spinel cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanowires grown on Ni foam are successfully synthesized using a novel microwave-assisted template-free method. The effect of reaction temperature, concentration of reactants, and reaction time on the morphology and crystalline structures of the prepared nanowires is studied. The present work has demonstrated that uniform Co ₃O₄ nanowires with diameters of 500-580 nm and lengths of 6-8 μm can be synthesized under proper reaction condition. Moreover, the proposed microwave-assisted template-free method can significantly reduce reaction time, increase reaction efficiency, and provide better control over the geometry of the nanostructures. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.