Spinel Ferrites (CoFe2O4): Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, and Electromagnetic Generator for Vibration Energy Harvesting

Cobalt ferrite bearing the chemical formula of CoFe2O4 was synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The Rietveld refinement of the experimental XRD data shows that the synthesized material crystallizes in a cubic symmetry with a lattice parameter a = b = c = 8.391 angstrom. The magnetic property of CoFe2O4 reveals the maximum magnetization value of 84.17 emu/g, confirming a strong ferrimagnetic nature. Further, we have built an electromagnetic energy generator (EMG) device based on the CoFe2O4 magnetic material, copper coil, and three-dimensional (3D) printed tube-like structure. The electrical output response of the device was collected by shaking it by hand and an electric shaker. A voltage of 1.95 V and current of 4.7 mA was generated from the device while delivering a power output as high as 0.86 mW at a load resistance of 10(3) omega. The electrical output remained constant over long-term device operation, confirming that the fabricated device is capable of generating a stable output for a longer duration. Powering of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and charging of capacitors were performed by utilizing the fabricated EMG. Further, the self-powered recognition of different speeds when the device was placed upon an electric shaker confirms that it can be utilized in many real-time applications.

Automated summary

Cobalt ferrite was successfully synthesized and used to construct an electromagnetic energy generator device. The material exhibited strong magnetic properties and stable output, making it suitable for real-time applications such as power supply and charging.