Magnetic and optical properties of Cu1−xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a silica matrix by a sol–gel auto-combustion method. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baykal, A.; Esir, S.; Demir, A.; Güner, S.
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 41:Issue 1(2015)Part A
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: B. Nanocomposites -- C. Optical properties -- C. Magnetic properties -- Mixed ferrites -- Silica; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.08.063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: Cu1− x Zn x Fe2 O4 /SiO2 (CZF/SiO2 ) ( x =0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) nanocomposites were synthesized by a citric acid assisted sol–gel process and a modified Stöber method. Particle formation and evolution of the structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties were investigated by Thermal analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM)), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and magnetic susceptibility measurements (VSM). Optical properties of Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) were improved by using silica (SiO2 ) shell. CZF/SiO2 nanocomposites were evaluated for their magnetic and optical characteristics. The direct optical band gap ( E g ) value was calculated as 1.70 eV. The E g of CZF/SiO2 nanocomposites is found to increase as the Zn content rises. Moreover, silica coating enhances the band gap of the nanocomposites. These properties of CZF/SiO2 nanocomposites make them promising candidates for magneto-optical nano-device applications.