Magnetic and structural properties of Co0.8MnxFe2.2−xO4 (x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) polycrystalline powders synthesized by sol-gel process

Co 0.8 Mn x Fe 2.2 − x O 4 (x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) powders were prepared by a sol-gel process and annealed at different temperatures (Ta=600, 800, 1000, and 1200 °C). X-ray diffractometer results reveal that all the samples are inverse-type spinel with cubic structure. The magnetic properties were measured by vibrating sample magnetometer and the results indicate that the saturated magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) decrease with increasing Mn content x. The decrease in Ms is related to the magnetic moment of Mn3+ is lower than that of Fe3+. The decrease in Hc is ascribed to the content decrease in Co2+ on B sites. Increasing grain sizes at higher annealing temperature (Ta) also have an intensive influence on Hc.