Co3O4 @ PFR cube-like core–shell nanocomposite prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal approach

The Co₃O₄ @ phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR) cube-like nanocomposites are prepared by one-step hydrothermal process at 120–180 °C for 3–9 h. Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), and phenol are used as precursors in water solvent. Any adventitious oxidants and additives are not presented. The transmission/scanning electronic microscope (TEM, SEM) images show as-obtained typical samples are consisted of cube-like Co₃O₄ as core and PFR as shell. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicate the samples are consisted of cube-phase Co₃O₄ with amorphous PFR. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) further confirm Co₃O₄ and PFR are contained in the samples. Room-temperature vibration magnetic strength measurements (VMS) indicate that the antiferromagnetic properties of core–shell nanocomposites evidently differ from the naked-Co₃O₄ nanoparticles.