Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Cadmium Ferrite

Abstract

Nano-hematite ( α -Fe 2 O 3 ) and nano-cadmium ferrite (CdFe 2 O 4 ) are prepared using template-assisted sol-gel method. The prepared samples are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques for structural and microstructural studies. Nano- α -Fe 2 O 3 with particle size ~ 60 nm is formed at 500°C, while nano-CdFe 2 O 4 with smaller particle size ( ~ 40 nm) is formed at 600°C. It is found that with a simple sol-gel process we can prepare nano-CdFe 2 O 4 with better conditions than other methods: pure phase at lower sintering temperature and time (economic point) and of course with a smaller particle size. So, based on the obtained experimental results, a proposed theoretical model is made to explain the link between the use of the sol-gel process and the formation of nano-CdFe 2 O 4 as a pure phase at low temperature. This model is based on a simple magnetostatic interaction between the formed nuclei within the solution leading to the formation of the stable phase at low temperature.