Effect of strontium substitution in cobalt ferrite: Structural and optical studies

A set of strontium (Sr)-doped cobalt (Co) nanoferrites Co1-xSrxFe2O4 (x = 0.1 and 0.2) was synthesized using a sol-gel combustion method. The phase, nanocrystallinity, and optical properties of as-prepared and annealed samples were investigated. The average crystallite sizes obtained were 36, 40, and 30 nm for the nanoferrites with lattice parameters of 8.25, 8.30, and 8.30 A, respectively. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the spinel structure of the ferrite crystals. The existence of cations at the octahedral and tetrahedral sites in the nanoparticles was also confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Direct bandgap energy values of 1.29, 1.32, and 1.35 eV were determined and an applied temperature of 680 degrees C ensured the complete decomposition of precursors. The correlation between the Sr substitution in Co ferrite and the structural and optical changes is discussed.

Automated summary

In this study, Sr-doped Co nanoferrites were synthesized using a sol-gel combustion method, and the correlation between Sr substitution in Co ferrite and the structural and optical changes was discussed. The average crystallite sizes, lattice parameters, spinel structure, and bandgap energy values of the nanoferrites were investigated. The results indicated that Sr substitution affected the crystal structure and optical properties of Co ferrite nanoparticles.