Effect of pH and RF Plasma Treatment on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of (Fe,Cu)Fe2O4 Spinel Ferrites

Abstract

This work used the sol-gel process to synthesise Fe₁₋ₓCuₓFe₂O₄ ((Fe, Cu) ferrite) magnetic nanoparticles having a radius of 10 nm at two pH values, 8 and 9, and in the ratios x = 1 and 0.9. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), the surface morphology and homogeneity of the samples were examined. The electron microscope pictures showed certain groups that were almost dense and had fewer pores. A soft iron material with a tight hysteresis loop was developed after the magnetic characteristics were further examined using the Vibration Magnetic Microscope (VSM). The compound was then subjected to the same amount of radiofrequency (RF) plasma. According to the FESEM study results, the compound's form and size have changed, and it has become heterogeneous since it is no longer spherical as it was before exposure. Following exposure to plasma, VSM measurements of (Fe,Cu)Fe₂O₄ reveal a rise in saturation magnetisation and a change in the hysteresis loop's structure at the concentration x=0.9 and at the value of pH=9. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements show two main bands for the positions of the atoms in the tetrahedral sites (A) and the octahedral sites (B) in the crystal structure. The produced materials can be utilised to create excellent magnets or to minimise eddy currents in electrical transformer cores.