The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of Co3O4 have been studied on powdered or single-crystal samples. The formation of a compact layer of cobalt monoxide and the form of the equation describing the decomposition degree-time curves led to the development of a model in which the kinetics are limited by the diffusion of oxygen through the layer. This model derives from that of Ginstling and Brounshtein and takes account of the variation in activation energy with the degree of decomposition. An interpretation of the electrical properties of pure and doped Co3O4 is also proposed.
