Influence of pH on the structural and magnetic behavior of cobalt ferrite synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) shown to be promising candidate for applications such as high-density magnetic recording, enhanced memory storage, magnetic fluids and catalysts. Utility of ferrite nanoparticles depends on its size, dispersibility in solutions, and magnetic properties. We have investigated the structural properties of synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by sol gel auto combustion for uncontrolled, acidic, neutral and basic pH values. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the cubic spinel phase formation with lattice constant 8.38 Å. In this study, we have optimized the pH value to synthesize homogenous cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic behavior. The surface morphology has been investigated by employing SEM images and the confirmation of spinel ferrite was also supported by using IR spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements for CoFe₂O₄ compositions (with pH <1, pH = 3, 7, 10) were investigated using VSM measurements