Optimization of sol-gel synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanowires using template assisted vacuum suction method

In this study, cobalt ferrite nanowires were synthesized by a sol-gel route using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template by applying mechanical vacuum suction. The parameters of calcination temperature and pH value were optimized subsequently. The single phase cobalt ferrite was obtained at 600 C. The results showed that pH=1 is appropriate for synthesis of uniform nanowires because at the higher pH values the autocombustion of the gel, with making cracks in nanowires, will be happened. Furthermore, the nanowires showed higher coercivity in the direction parallel to the axis of the nanowires (Hc(parallel to)=1050 Oe) rather than that in the perpendicular direction (He-perpendicular to=772 Oe). ((C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved,