The simulation and optimization of heat treatment of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles prepared by the sol–gel technique

The aim of this work is to simulate and optimize the heat treatment condition employing Design of Experiment in purpose to attain the crystalline cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as a single phase without impurities, to achieve the possibly smallest size range of particles and to reduce the electrical operating cost of process to the minimum. The sol–gel technique was employed to prepare the amorphous powder of cobalt ferrite. Design-Expert 7.0 was used to establish the design matrix and to analyze the experimental data. The relationship between the heat treatment parameters (temperature and dwelling time) and the resultant powder characteristics (purity and electrical operating cost) was established. X-ray Diffraction and Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the resultant powder. The results confirmed the attainment of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles as a single phase with particle size range of (5–25) nm. A drop in the electrical operating cost of heat treatment process by 60% was achieved.

Graphical abstractThe aim of this study is to simulate and optimize the heat treatment process employing design of experiment when preparing cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in purpose to minimize the thermal energy to the level needed just to attain the spinel structure without impurities, to decrease the particle size to the minimum possible, and to reduce the electrical operating cost of the process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We prepare cobalt ferrite nanoparticles employing the sol–gel process. ► We simulate the heat treatment process employing design of experiment. ► We optimize heat treatment to achieve the required purity with less electrical cost. ► We attain cobalt ferrite structure without impurities with size range of 5–25 nm. ► We reduce the electrical operating cost of heat treatment process by 60%.