Characterization of Nanocomposites and Determination of Cobalt

Specific surface area (SSA) and surface functional groups were measured following standard procedures as described elsewhere (El-Sheikh, 2008). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of samples in a range of 4,000–400 cm⁻¹ were recorded using a Bruker vertex-70 spectrometer (Ettlingen, Germany). The quantitative determination of Co was performed by using flame atomic absorption spectrometer (iCE 3000 series, Thermo Scientific, United States) under the following instrumental conditions: λ = 240.7 nm, Lamp current = 75 mA, Slit width = 0.2 nm, Burner height = 7 mm, Acetylene flow = 1 L min⁻¹, Airflow = 10 L min⁻¹. Identification of deposited oxides was carried out using powder X-ray diffraction [X-ray diffractometer (XRD-6000), Shimadzu, Japan] XRD-6000. BARNSTEAD/Thermolyne furnace (Barnstead International, United States) operated up to 1,200°C was used to anneal the composites under inert atmosphere.