The effect of Sr2+ on the structure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite

Abstract We report the effect of Sr 2+ on the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of CoFe 2 O 4 synthesized by microwave-assisted combustion method. Results from X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy at 298 K suggest the formation of a mixed spinel Sr 2+ substituted CoFe 2 O 4 . However, secondary phases like CoO, SrCO 3 and SrFeO 2.96 were also observed. A decrease in the lattice parameter and particle size were observed with the addition of Sr 2+ . The crystallite size of ferrite phase ranged from 53 to 62 nm. Magnetic studies showed a gradual decrease in the saturation magnetization and remanence with the increase of Sr 2+ content, and an increasing value of the coercive field.