An EXAFS Study on Iron-Cobalt-Silica Nanocomposite Materials Prepared by the Sol-Gel Method

The structural evolution of FeCo-SiO₂ xerogel and aerogel nanocomposite samples during their sol-gel preparation have been studied by EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) technique. Depending on the precursors of the alloy nanoparticles different intermediate are formed which have a strong influence on the formation of the FeCo alloy of the desired composition. The porous structure also plays an important role.