Structural and magnetic properties of Mn doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by Sol-Gel auto combustion method

Abstract Co1-xMnxFe2O4 (with x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) ferrites nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol–gel auto combustion method. The crystal structure, morphology, elemental analysis and magnetic properties of the samples were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The XRD results confirmed the cubic spinel structure up to x = 0.2. Scherrer and Williamson-Hall (W-H) method were applied to determine crystallite size and strain present in the sample. The FT-IR spectra showed the absorption peaks confirmed the presence of metal–oxygen stretching bands in Mn doped cobalt ferrites. Raman spectra showed four strong and sharp modes, identifies the cobalt ferrite phase. HRSEM images clearly showed that Co1-xMnxFe2O4 (with x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) ferrite grains appear in spherical shape with less agglomeration. The elemental analysis (EDX) was performed for the above samples and their spectrum confirmed the presence of Co, Fe, Mn and O elements in the prepared Mn doped Cobalt ferrite materials. The magnetic measurements of the calcined samples were carried out at room temperature using vibrating sample magnetometer. By the substitution of cobalt magnetic ions with Mn2+, it is possible to tune the magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite as a promising material for various technological applications.[copyright information to be updated in production process]