Structure and magnetic properties of Ti1−xCoxO2 nanoparticles prepared by chemical route

The structural, microstructural, dielectric and ferromagnetic behavior of Co-doped TiO2 (TC) nanoparticles have been studied. TC nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical synthesis route using polyethylene glycol as a surfactant. The polymer serves as a surfactant to encapsulate the cationic species in divided groups during the reaction that confines the size and morphology of the specimen. X-ray diffraction pattern has been used to confirm the crystalline structure (rutile or anatase) and average particle size is measured using Debye–Scherer's relation. The particle's size is also measured by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to confirm the formation of Ti–O bond. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy suggests that the Ti and Co ions have the oxidation states 4+ and 2+, respectively, present in the 2p region and confirm the presence of Ti–O–Co bonds. The variation in magnetization with Co concentration is studied. Dielectric measurements were also carried at room temperature to confirm the storage charge capability of TC semiconductor, and the nano-size effect to control the dielectric constant up to higher frequency region has been observed. The enhancement in magnetization at room temperature is also observed.