Synthesis and physical property measurements of CoFe₂O₄:BaTiO₃ core-shell composite nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Multiferroic nanocomposites were prepared in a core-shell configuration, in which CoFe₂O₄ (Cobalt ferrite) is the core and BaTiO₃ (Barium Titanate) the shell. The nanocomposites were synthesized by a combination of polymeric and citrate-gel methods. X-ray diffraction attested the CoFe₂O₄ presence, in a cubic spinel structure, and the BaTiO₃, in a tetragonal perovskite structure. Infrared spectroscopy showed the characteristics cobalt ferrite and barium titanate absorption bands. A core-shell microstructure was observed by TEM images. All samples presented ferrimagnetic-like behaviour at room temperature. The results showed that the synthesis method employed was effective to produce nanocomposites in a core-shell configuration.

KEYWORDS:

• Core-shell
• nanocomposites
• cobalt ferrite
• barium titanate

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Brazilian agencies CNPq (procs. 446565/2014–8, 200977/2015-6 and procs. 445837/2014–4) and CAPES (AUX-PE-PNPD 2747/2010 and AEX 3787-15-0) for financial support. P.N.O. also thanks CAPES for fellowship.