Study on Synthesis and Characterization of Gadolinium Doped Cobalt Ferrites using Sol-gel Route

Abstract

In this research work, Gadolinium doped cobalt ferrite (𝐶𝑜𝐹𝑒2−𝑥 𝐺𝑑𝑥𝑂4) nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method and their nano-composites with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized using ultra-sonication route. Gadolinium (𝐺𝑑) is a rare earth element and it is very important in magnetic resonance techniques because of its strong paramagnetic properties. The nanocomposites were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrates the existence of functional groups on the surface of carbon nanotubes and the aggregation of 𝐺𝑑 doped cobalt ferrites nanoparticles on MWCNTs was seen by SEM. The absorption and the optical band gaps values are showing increasing trend with increasing doping concentration and with CNTs deposition, which is also evidencing the enhancement of magnetic behavior. The research revealed that Gadolinium doping influenced the crystal structure, magnetic behavior, and electrical conductivity of cobalt ferrite. These changes can be utilized to tailor the properties of cobalt ferrite for specific applications like tunable dielectric devices, magnetic storages devices, and sensors.