Magneto-optical properties of Cu1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles

Zn doped CuFe2O4 nanoparticles (CZF NPs) were synthesized by a citric acid assisted sol-gel auto combustion process. The obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD results confirmed the formation of cubic spinel-type structure with an average crystallite size in the range of 27-33 nm. The variation lattice constants obey the Vegard's Law. The CZF NPs were evaluated for their magneto-optical characteristics. The CZF NPs exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature (RT). The average M-s value for CZF NPs is about 57 emu/g. The observed magnetic moments of products are in the range of 1.76-2.49 mu(B). The small M-r/M-s ratios (maximum 0.22) specify uniaxial anisotropy in the Cu(1-x)Zn(x)cFe(2)O(4) NPs. The high M-s and magnetic moment values are attributed to cation distribution change. The direct optical band gap (E-g) value of CZF NPs was found as 1.42 eV. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.