Composition assisted tuning properties of CoCrxFe2-xO4 spinel nano ferrites

Structural, magnetic properties, bandgap of sol gel auto-combustion synthesized single phase CoCrxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.0–1.0) nano ferrites, were studied by x-ray diffraction, vibration sample magnetometer, ultra violet visible spectroscopy. Linear decrease of lattice parameter with increasing Cr-content is ascribed to difference between ionic radii of Cr3+ (0.064 nm), Fe3+ (0.067 nm). Linear decrease of grain diameter with increasing Cr-content, shows presence of Cr in spinel lattice which hinders grain growth. Results show bandgap tenability; reveal that Cr-addition is effective in determining coercivity, saturation magnetization of studied samples. Results illustrate effectiveness of compositional variation for structural modification, leads to tuning of magnetic properties, bandgap.