Electrical and structural studies of lithium doped cobalt ferrite

Lithium doped cobalt ferrites (Li0.2CoFe1.8O4) were prepared by a sol-gel combustion method by using Lithium nitrate, cobalt nitrate, and ferric nitrate as source materials. Here, Citric acid and polyvinyl alcohol used as a burning agent and agglomeration reducing agent respectively. The pH value of precursor was maintained between 7 and 8 while preparation of the sample. The average particle size of the ferrite obtained at 300 degrees C about similar to 15-20 nm. Further, single phase spinel structure has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Cubic morphology was confirmed by High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). The composition of elements has been confirmed by Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Moreover, the electrical studies of the prepared sample have been analyzed by four point probe method. The observed results inferred that conductivity of the ferrite sample has been reduced by addition of lithium. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.