Cobalt molybdate nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, optical and photocatalytic properties

Cobalt molybdate (CoMoO 4 ) nanoparticles were synthesized via a sonochemical method based on the reaction between cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate in water without adding surfactant, capping agent or template. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-obtained products were characterized by techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The samples indicated a paramagnetic behavior, as evidenced by using vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. To evaluate the catalytic properties of nanocrystalline cobalt molybdate, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.