Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe4[Co(CN)6]3.16H2O/SiO2 nano-composites By Coprecipitation Method

¹Materials Science Lab, Department of Applied Physics, Guru Jambheshwar Univ. of Sc. & Tech., Hisar 125001 and TIT & S Engg. College, Birla Coloney, Bhiwani 127021, India
²Materials Science Lab, Department of Physics, Chaudhary Devi Lal Univ., Sirsa 125055, India
³Department of Applied Science, Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Sirsa 125055, India

Adv. Mater. Lett., 2013, 'ICNANO 2011', 4 (1), pp 53-57

DOI: 10.5185/amlett.2013.icnano.111

Publication Date (Web): Oct 14, 2012

Copyright © IAAM-VBRI Press

E-mail: rohillasunil2003@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Nano-dimensional powder of iron cobalt cyanide hydrate in silica matrix (member of Prussian-blue family) was obtained using ferric chloride, cobalt chloride, potassium cyanide and silica in their dilute solution through coprecipitation method. The crystal structures and surface morphology of nanoparticles were characterized by the powder X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation of compound Fe₄ [Co(CN)₆]₃.16H₂O was revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of prepared samples were measured at room temperature using a Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Effect of the thermal annealing on the phase decomposition and phase evolution of prepared samples for different temperature and time duration has been discussed. The results showed that the structure, phase and shape of the nanocrystallite are strongly influenced by the sintering temperature and time period. Results also showed that direct phase transition from Fe4 [Co (CN)₆]₃.16H₂O to CoFe₂O₄ occurred at temperature 3000C (2h). The shape of embedded CoFe₂O₄ (a final product) in silica matrix is almost spherical and its average size ranges 15-25 nm.

Keywords

Prussian-blue, coprecipitation, thermal treatment, nanocomposites, cobalt ferrite.