Chemical synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of nano-structured Co–Zn–Fe–Cr ferrite

Nanoparticles of Co1−xZnxFe2−xCrxO4 (x = 0.0–0.5) ferrites were prepared by chemical co-precipitation technique using metal sulphates. The structural and magnetic properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and AC susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the samples possess single phase cubic spinel structure. The lattice constant initially increases for x ≤ 0.3 and thereafter for x > 0.3 it decreases with increasing x. The saturation magnetization (Ms), magneton number (nB) and coercivity (Hc) decreases with increasing Cr–Zn content x. Curie temperature deduced from AC susceptibility data decreases with increasing x.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Preparation of nanostructured ferrite particles. ► Co-substitution of Zn2+ and Cr3+ in place of Co2+ and Fe3+ ions. ► Structural properties markedly vary with increasing Cr–Zn ions. ► Magnetic properties decrease with increasing Cr–Zn ions.