Strontium ferrite nanoparticles synthesized in presence of polyvinylalcohol: Phase composition,microstructural and magnetic properties

Systematic study was devoted to the synthesis of hexagonal strontium ferrite nanoparticles employing polyvinylalcohol as stabilizing agent. Preliminary experiments allowed to select an optimal sol having molar ratio Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺=12${\mathrm{Sr}}^{2+}/{\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}=12$, weight ratio PVA/[Sr²⁺+Fe³⁺]=1.4$\mathrm{PVA}/[{\mathrm{Sr}}^{2+}+{\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}]=1.4$ and pH=2.1$\mathrm{pH}=2.1$. The obtained sol were transformed to gels by an evaporation of water at 100 °C and drying at 112 °C under vacuum. The subsequent calcination was carried out for 3 h at 400 °C, achieved by heating rate of 17 K/min. The obtained precursor was used for a detail study of influence of annealing conditions (temperature range 600–700 °C, annealing time 10–190 min) on the resulting properties. Semiquantitative X-ray phase analysis approved a gradual increase of the M-phase content and a gradual growth of M-phase crystallites with temperature and time. Magnetic measurements showed a distinct influence of the phase composition, namely ratio of the contents of M-phase and maghemite on the shape of the magnetic loops, while the crystallite sizes have only a slight effect.     

Impact of sonochemical synthesis condition on the structural and physical properties of MnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles

Herein, we report sonochemical synthesis of MnFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite nanoparticles using UZ SONOPULS HD 2070 Ultrasonic homogenizer (frequency: 20 kHz and power: 70 W). The sonication time and percentage amplitude of ultrasonic power input cause appreciable changes in the structural, cation distribution and physical properties of MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of synthesized MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was increased with increase of sonication time and percentage amplitude of ultrasonic power input. The occupational formula by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for prepared spinel ferrite nanoparticles was (Mn_0.29Fe_0.42)[Mn_0.71Fe_1.58]O₄ and (Mn_0.28Fe_0.54) [Mn_0.72Fe_1.46]O₄ at sonication time 20 min and 80 min, respectively. The value of the saturation magnetization was increased from 1.9 emu/g to 52.5 emu/g with increase of sonication time 20 min to 80 min at constant 50% amplitude of ultrasonic power input, whereas, it was increased from 30.2 emu/g to 59.4 emu/g with increase of the percentage amplitude of ultrasonic power input at constant sonication time 60 min. The highest value of dielectric constant (ε′) was 499 at 1 kHz for nanoparticles at sonication time 20 min, whereas, ac conductivity was 368 × 10⁻⁹ S/cm at 1 kHz for spinel ferrite nanoparticles at sonication time 20 min. The demonstrated controllable physical characteristics over sonication time and percentage amplitude of ultrasonic power input are a key step to design spinel ferrite material of desired properties for specific application. The investigation of microwave operating frequency suggest that these prepared spinel ferrite nanoparticles are potential candidate for fabrication of devices at high frequency applications.     

Novel ionic liquid supported on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and its application as a catalyst in Mannich reaction under ultrasonic irradiation

A family of novel ionic liquid with l-alanine and choline chloride as environmentally benign materials have been synthesized and grafted on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using easy preparation techniques. The structure of ionic liquid supported on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (IL-Fe₃O₄ NPs) characterized by various analyses such as FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, NMR, FTIR and VSM. The catalytic activities of this catalyst are examined in the Mannich reaction for synthesis of β-aminocarbonyl compounds under ultrasonic irradiation. The recyclability of catalyst is investigated, and the results have indicated that the catalyst can be recycled six times without obvious activity decreasing.     

Structural and magnetic properties of holmium substituted cobalt ferrites synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method

CoHo_xFe_2−xO₄ ferrites (x=0.00–0.1) were prepared by the co-precipitation technique and the effect of holmium substitution on the magnetic properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction reveals that the substituted samples show a second phase of HoFeO₃ along with the spinel phase. The magnetic properties such as the saturation magnetization (M_s), coercivity (H_c) and remanence (M_r) are obtained from the hysteresis loops. It is observed that the M_s decreases while H_c increases with Ho³⁺ substitution. The decrease of saturation magnetization is attributed to the weakening of exchange interactions. The coercivity increases with increase of the Ho³⁺ concentration, which is attributed to the presence of an ultra-thin layer at the grain boundaries that impedes the domain wall motion. Low field AC susceptibility was also measured over the temperature range 300–600 K at the frequency of 200 Hz. It decreases with the increase of temperature following the Curie–Weiss law up to the Curie temperature. Above the Curie temperature it shows paramagnetic behavior. The increase in coercivity suggests that the material can be used for applications in perpendicular recording media.     

Composition and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nano-particles prepared by the co-precipitation method

Cobalt ferrite nano-particles were prepared using the co-precipitation method followed by annealing treatment. The formation of nano-particles with different composition, microstructure and sizes were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Raman, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and transmission electron microscope. The magnetic hysteresis loops measured at room temperature revealed smaller effective magnetic anisotropy constant, coercivity and remanence ratio for the samples prepared by adding the NaOH solutions into the mixed solutions of Co²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions due to the formation of Co³⁺ ions. A small saturation magnetization and an enhanced coercivity were observed for the nano-particles prepared by adding the mixed solutions of Co²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions into the NaOH solutions, which was related to the formation of outer layers with poor crystallization on the surfaces of the cobalt ferrite nano-crystals. Furthermore, the existence of these outer layers induced the oxidation of Co²⁺ ions in cobalt ferrite nano-crystals at 200 and 300 °C, and led to a large change on the composition and magnetic properties.     

Effects and mechanism of ultrasonic irradiation on solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of binary TiAl alloys

In spite of their high temperature and reactivity, the binary TiAl alloys are successfully imposed by the ultrasonic irradiation and the microstructure evolution, solidification behaviors and mechanical properties are elaborately investigated. After ultrasonic irradiation, a high quality ingot without shrinkage defects and element segregation is obtained and the coarse dendrite structure is well modified into fine non-dendrite globular grains. The coarse lamellar colony and lamellar space of Ti44Al alloy is refined from 685 μm to 52 μm and 1185 nm to 312 nm, respectively (similarly, 819 μm to 102 μm and 2085 nm to 565 nm for Ti48Al alloy). For Ti48Al alloy, the α peritectic phase is simultaneously precipitated from the melt as well as the β primary phase before the peritectic reaction and the solidification is transformed into the mixed α-solidifying and β-solidifying. Ultrasonic irradiation promotes the peritectic reaction and phase transformation completely and the phase constituent becomes more close to the equilibrium level. The compressive strength of Ti44Al and Ti48Al alloys are increased from 623 MPa to 1250 MPa and 980 MPa to 1295 MPa, respectively. The grain refinement and dendrite transformation enhance the grain boundary sliding improving the plastic deformation ability. Ultrasonic irradiation significantly accelerates the melt flow and solute redistribution and the main grain refinement mechanism is the cavitation-enhanced nucleation by inclusion activation and heightened supercooling.     

Finite size effects on the structural and magnetic properties of sol–gel synthesized NiFe2O4 powders

Nanoparticles of nickel ferrite have been synthesized by the sol–gel method and the effect of grain size on its structural and magnetic properties have been studied in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that all the samples are single phasic possessing the inverse spinel structure. Grain size of the sol–gel synthesized powders has been determined from the XRD data and the strain graph. A grain size of 9 nm was observed for the as prepared powders of NiFe₂O₄ obtained through the sol–gel method. It was also observed that strain was induced during the firing process. Magnetization measurements have been carried out on all the samples prepared in the present series. It was found that the specific magnetization of the nanosized NiFe₂O₄ powders was lower than that of the corresponding coarse-grained counterparts and decreased with a decrease in grain size. The coercivity of the sol–gel synthesized NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles attained a maximum value when the grain size was 15 nm and then decreased as the grain size was increased further.     

Effect of Mg substitution on the magnetic properties of NiCuZn ferrite nanoparticles prepared through a novel method using egg white

Nanocrystalline Mg-substituted NiCuZn ferrites were successfully synthesized, for the first time, by using metal nitrates and freshly extracted egg white. The thermal decomposition process of the nitrate-egg white precursors was investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that, single-phase cubic ferrites with average particle size of 23.9-35.1 nm were directly formed after ignition at 500 °C. No noticeable variation of lattice parameters with increasing magnesium content was observed, while X-ray densities were found to decrease. This can be explained on the basis of ionic radii and atomic masses of the substituted cation. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) shows that, particles are permanently magnetized and get agglomerated. The saturation magnetization (M_s) and coercivity (H_c) as a function of Mg content were investigated using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It has been found that the M_s increases firstly up to x=0.2 and then decreases, while H_c continuously decreases. Magnetic susceptibility measurements give results which agree well with those obtained by VSM. The obvious decrease in the Curie temperature (T_C) with increasing Mg indicates that the ferrimagnetic grains are widely separated and enclosed by non-magnetic magnesium ions.     

Enhancement of magnetic and dielectric properties of low temperature sintered NiCuZn ferrite by Bi2O3-CuO additives

With a series of 1.0 wt%Bi$_{2}$O$_{3}$-$x$ wt% CuO ($x =0.0$, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) serving as sintering additives, Ni$_{0.23}$Cu$_{0.32}$Zn$_{0.45}$Fe$_{2}$O$_{4}$ ferrites are successfully synthesized at a low temperature (900 $^\circ$C) by using the solid state reaction method. The effects of the additives on the phase formation, magnetic and dielectric properties as well as the structural and gyromagnetic properties are investigated. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the added Bi$_{2}$O$_{3}$-CuO can lower the synthesis temperature significantly without the appearing of the second phase. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm that Bi$_{2}$O$_{3}$ is an important factor that determines the sintering behaviors, while CuO affects the grain size and densification. With CuO content $x=0.4$ or 0.6, the sample shows high saturation magnetization, low coercivity, high real part of magnetic permeability, dielectric permittivity, and small ferromagnetic resonance linewidth ($\Delta H$). The NiCuZn ferrites are a promising new generation of high-performance microwave devices, such as phase shifters and isolators.     

Magnetic and structural studies on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation,normal micelles and reverse micelles methods

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation, normal micelles and reverse micelles methods of iron and cobalt chlorides. X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer were carried out at room temperature to study the structural and magnetic properties. X-ray patterns revealed the production of a broad single cubic phase with the average particle sizes of ∼12 nm, 5 nm and 8 nm for co-precipitation, normal micelles and reverse micelles methods, respectively. The FTIR measurements between 400 and 4000 cm⁻¹ confirmed the intrinsic cation vibrations of spinel structure for each one of the three methods. Moreover, the average particle sizes were lower than the single domain size (128 nm) and higher than the super-paramagnetic size (2–3 nm) at room temperature. The results revealed that the magnetic properties depend on the particle size and cation distribution, whereas the role of particle size is more significant.     

Study on the optically linear birefringence and dichroism properties of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles

We adopt an improved co-precipitation method to prepare the Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Influence factors such as the reaction temperature, the pH value of the solution, and the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ molar concentration are considered. Via the transmission electronic microscope and X-ray diffractometry, we characterize the dispersibility and size of the products. The reaction temperature and the pH value of the solution have a great influence in the dispersibility and size of MNPs. The diameter of Fe₃O₄ MNP, produced under Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ molar concentration of 0.25 mole/l and molar ratio of 1.9:1, the reaction temperature is 80 °C, and the pH value reaches 9, is close to 11 nm. Above all, considering the variation of molar concentrations in Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺, the linear birefringence and dichroism of the kerosene-based ferrofluids are investigated by a Stokes polarimeter.     

Preparation and magnetic properties of La-Mn and La-Co doped barium hexaferrites prepared via an improved co-precipitation/molten salt method

La-Mn and La-Co doped barium hexaferrites of formula Ba_(1−x)La_xFe_(12−x)M_xO₁₉ (M=Mn, Co) (x=0.05 to 0.40) were prepared with an improved co-precipitation/molten salt method. For the synthesis, aqueous solutions of the appropriate metal chlorides were prepared in the ratio required except that the initial mole ratio of Fe and dopants to Ba was chosen to be 11:1, and then mixed with excess Na₂CO₃. The solutions were then cooled, filtered off, dried, then mixed with KCl flux, and heated at 450 °C and for 2 h. The temperature was then raised to 950 °C and kept for 4 h, then cooled. This new synthesis method, which employs a lower temperature and shorter reaction time, gives products with improved crystallinity and purity while the saturation magnetization and coercivity values are comparable with those synthesized via the high temperature method.     

Effect of lanthanum ions on magnetic properties of Y3Fe5O12 nanoparticles

Lanthanum ion (La³⁺)-substituted garnet nanoparticles Y_3?x La _x Fe₅O₁₂ (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) were fabricated by a sol–gel method. Their crystalline structures and magnetic properties were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Mössbauer spectrum. The XRD results show that samples of Y_3?x La _x Fe₅O₁₂ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) are all single phase and the sizes of particles range from 32 to 65 nm. Those of Y₂LaFe₅O₁₂ consisted of peaks from garnet and LaFeO₃ structures. Compared to pure YIG, the saturation magnetization is larger when the La concentration x = 0.2. However, with increasing La concentration (x), it decreases obviously. Meanwhile, may be due to the enhancement of the surface spin effects, the saturation magnetization rises as the particle size is increased. Different from the pure YIG, the Mössbauer spectra of Y_2.8La_0.2Fe₅O₁₂ and Y_2.2La_0.8Fe₅O₁₂ are composed of four sets of six-line hyperfine patterns. The results tell us that the substitution of La³⁺ ions with large ionic radius (1.061 Å) will give rise to a microscopic structure distortion of the a- and d-sites to different degrees, and the Zeeman sextets from a- and d-sites begin to split into two sub-sextets, which is helpful to explain the phenomenon observed in the study of the magnetic property.     

A facile one-pot ultrasound assisted for an efficient synthesis of benzo[g]chromenes using Fe3O4/polyethylene glycol (PEG) core/shell nanoparticles

In this research, a general synthetic method for the synthesis of benzo[g]chromenes has been developed using Fe₃O₄/polyethylene glycol (PEG) core/shell nanoparticle under ultrasonic irradiations. Compared to the conventional methods, ultrasound procedure showed several advantages including mild reaction conditions, high yield products, short reaction times, reusability of the catalyst and little catalyst loading.     

Magnetic properties of ultra-fine particles of Mn0.5Fe0.5Fe2O4 spinel system

A systematic study of the magnetic properties of ultra-fine particles of Mn_0.5Fe_0.5Fe₂O₄ spinel system has been undertaken. The effect of temperature on the magnetic properties of particles and the ferrofluid has been studied. Analysis of the data yields information on the anisotropy constant, particle size distribution and superparamagnetic behaviour. The results are explained on the basis of existing theories.     

静电纺丝法制备Bi2Fe4O9及其磁学性能的研究

采用静电纺丝法合成了纤维状的Bi₂Fe₄O₉前驱体,再对前驱体进行热处理得到了棒状的Bi₂Fe₄O₉.通过X射线衍射、扫描电子显微镜及透射电子显微镜表征了合成样品的物相及形貌特征.结果表明合成的样品为Bi₂Fe₄O₉单相,属于正交晶系;退火处理导致纤维状的前驱体转变为棒状的Bi₂Fe₄O₉.紫外-可见吸收光谱表明制备的Bi₂Fe₄O₉对光的吸收范围广,不仅对紫外光具有较强吸收,而且对可见光也有一定的吸收.通过振动样品磁强计测定Bi₂Fe₄O₉磁滞回线研究其磁学特性,相应的矫顽力H_C≈82 Oe（1 Oe=79.5775 A/m）,剥离顺磁信号后的剩磁M_r≈0.25 emu/g,研究发现Bi₂Fe₄O₉样品具有弱铁磁性,并且软磁性能有所提高.     

A robust super-paramagnetic TiO2:Fe3O4:Ag nanocomposite with enhanced photo and bio activities on polyester fabric via one step sonosynthesis

High intensity ultrasound was used for the synthesis and simultaneous deposition of TiO₂:Fe₃O₄:Ag nanocomposites on polyester surface providing a feasible route for imparting magnetic and enhanced antibacterial and self-cleaning activities with controllable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity at low temperature. Synergistic impact of sonochemistry and physical effects of ultrasound originating from implosive collapse of bubbles were responsible for the formation and adsorption of nanomaterials on the fabric surface during ultrasound irradiation. The increase in photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ was obtained attributing to the co-operation of iron oxide and silver nanoparticles nucleated on TiO₂ surface boosting the electron–hole pair separation and prolonging their recombination rate. The process was further optimized in terms of reagents concentrations including Fe²⁺/TiO₂ and Ag/TiO₂ molar ratios using central composite design in order to achieve the best self-cleaning property of the treated fabric. The magnetic measurements indicated the super-paramagnetic behavior of the treated fabric with saturation magnetization of 4.5 (emu/g). Findings suggest the potential of the proposed facial method in producing an intelligent fabric with durable multi-functional activities that can be suitable for various applications including medical, military, bio-separation, bio-sensors, magneto graphic printing, magnetic screens and magnetic filters.     

Effect of aluminum substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion process

Aluminum substituted cobalt ferrite powders (CoFe_2−xAl_xO₄) with varying composition from 0.0 to 1.0 in the step of 0.2 have been obtained by sol-gel auto combustion technique using citric acid as a fuel. The metal nitrate to fuel ratio was maintained 1:4 throughout the synthesis of CoFe_2−xAl_xO₄. The thermal analysis of as prepared samples is done by TGA technique. The compositional stoichiometry of the prepared samples is confirmed by Energy dispersive X-ray analysis technique. Single phase cubic spinel structure and nano phase structure of the synthesized powders were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallite size of 16-26 nm was obtained using Scherrer formula. SEM analysis shows the formation of uniform grain growth. The grain size obtained from SEM results is of the order of 30 nm. Maximum specific surface area was observed to be of the order of 52 m²/gm. The highest value of saturation magnetization and coercivity was observed for pure cobalt ferrite sample and it decreases as the aluminum content x increases. A strong co-relation between the saturation magnetization and aluminum content was observed. The decrease in magnetic properties is due to the substitution of aluminum ions in place of Fe³⁺.     

Effect of tellurium(Te~(4+)) irradiation on microstructure and associated irradiation-induced hardening

The GH3535 alloy samples were irradiated using 15-Me V Te~(4+) ions at 650℃ to a dose of 0.5, 3.0, 10, and 20 dpa, respectively. The Te atoms distribution and microstructure evolution were examined by electron probe microanalysis(EPMA)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The nano-indenter was then used to measure the nano-hardness changes of samples before and after irradiation. TEM results showed the formation of dislocation loops in the irradiated samples.Their mean diameters increase with the increase of irradiation dose and tends to be saturated when irradiation dose exceeds10 dpa. The ratio of yield strength increments calculated by dispersed barrier hardening(DBH) model is basically consistent with that of nano-hardness increments measured by nano-indenter. In addition, the relationship between the nano-hardness increments and dpa for the GH3535 alloy irradiated by Te ions has been revealed in the study.