MICROSTRUCTURAL, MAGNETIC, AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF Co – Zn FERRITES NANOPARTICLES PREPARED BY SOL–GEL METHOD

The mixed ferrite nanometric Co – Zn ferrites [ Co 1-x Zn x Fe 2 O 4] with x = 0, x = 0.35, x = 0.5, x = 0.65, and x = 1 having particle size down to ~20 nm, synthesized through chemical sol–gel route have been found to have higher Curie temperature and higher resistivity as compared to the ones derived from conventional processes. Studies were made to estimate the effect of Co concentration (x) on these mixed ferrite nanometric Co – Zn ferrites having a AB2O4 -type cubic inverse spinel structure. Investigation of magnetic properties of all Co – Zn nanoferrites with varying Co content has been made using a VSM at room temperature. The saturation magnetization and coercive field have been observed to be highest for x = 0.35 and x = 0, respectively. The magneto-impedance characteristics and the complex impedance spectroscopy [Z(ω,T) = Z′+iZ″] have also been investigated in detail for all the samples at different frequencies.