The effect of annealing on phase evolution, microstructure and magnetic properties of Mn substituted CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Manganese substituted CoFe2O4 nanoparticles has been prepared by a simple evaporation method and auto combustion method. The role of annealing temperature on phase, particle size and morphology of Mn-Co ferrite nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lowest size of particles (similar to 3 nm) is obtained by auto combustion method. The annealing effect creates a vital change in magnetic properties which is studied by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). These spinet ferrites are decomposed to alpha-Fe2O3 after annealing above 550 degrees C in air However, alpha-Fe2O3 phase was slowly vanished after ferrites annealing above 900 degrees C. The effect of this secondary phase on the structural and magnetic properties of Mn substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is also discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.