Synthesis and magnetic investigation of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles prepared via a simple chemical precipitation method

In this research cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nano-crystalline powders were prepared by simple chemical precipitation method using cobalt sulfate. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy  and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The crystallite size of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles was calculated by Debye–Scherrer formula. The effect of precursor, capping agent, temperature and concentration on the morphology and particle size of the products was investigated. Starch and gelatin as green, safe, water-soluble and cost-effective capping agents were used. Alternative gradient field magnetometer  confirms dominant influence of temperature on the morphology and magnetic domains. Results approve magnetic samples exhibit either ferromagnetic or super-paramagnetic behavior.