Experimental design approach for the synthesis of 3D-CoFe2O4 nanoflowers thin films by low-cost process

Three-dimensional CoFe2O4 nanoflowers thin films have been deposited on stainless steel by low-cost chemical bath deposition process. The experimental design methodology has been applied to investigate the effect of the principal experimental parameters on the saturation magnetization. The Rechtschaffner design demonstrates that annealing temperature, deposition time and reactional medium temperature are the most influential parameters. Doehlert matrix has been used to predict the optimal condition of the saturation magnetization. XRD data confirm the formation of the desired CoFe2O4 phase. SEM analysis reveals the formation of three-dimensional nanoflowers like-morphology. The CV curve of 3D-CoFe2O4 nanoflowers thin film deviate from the perfect rectangular shape, demonstrate this pseudocapacitive characteristics. The specific capacitance was found to be 472 F g−1 at 5 mA s−1 scan rate. The VSM measurement demonstrate that the film exhibits a ferrimagnetic behavior, with easy magnetization axis along the plane of the films. The 3D-CoFe2O4 elaborated at the optimal conditions shows a maximum saturation magnetization of 0.44 T.