Recent Advances on Synthesis of CoCO3 with Controlled Morphologies

Cobalt carbonates and derivatives represent most promising cost-effective materials for energy storage, conversion and upgrading. Morphology determines the performances, as size, shape and electronic configuration are key factors for tunable properties in the area of batteries, catalysis, magnetics and plasmonics. However, there is lack of insights in literature on morphological control of cobalt carbonates during hydrothermal and solvothermal conditions. Therefore, this review provides detailed discussion on synthesis, formation mechanism and morphological control of nanosheets, wires, spheres and cubes of cobalt carbonates. Furthermore, the influence of experimental conditions and plausible mechanism which govern the growing processes were further discussed in details. The outcome of this short review will offer insights into rational design of inexpensive metal carbonates for numerous other energy and environment applications.