Low temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline Co₂B

Abstract

Nanocrystalline cobalt boride (Co₂B) has been successfully synthesized by the reaction of CoCl₂ with NaBH₄ in the temperature range of 500–600°C in an autoclave. Characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrographs (TEM), and Raman spectra, the composition and morphology of the products were confirmed. The mechanism for the formation of crystalline Co₂B was proposed. This work contributes one facile method for preparing metallic borides.