Application of Taguchi method to optimize the properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles doped by Ca2+ and Gd3+

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Ca2+ and Gd3+ doping, coupled with crucial processing parameters on the properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized through the sol-gel auto-combustion method. A systematic exploration of these multifaceted effects was conducted using an L25 orthogonal array of the Taguchi method, facilitating the optimization of these parameters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized in conjunction with Rietveld refinement analysis to discern the structural properties and cation distribution present in the synthesized samples. This investigation yielded cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with an average crystallite size from 9 to 65 nm. Moreover, the microstructural analysis conducted using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated a significant influence of these parameters on the morphology and average grain size of the nanoparticles. Magnetic investigations revealed that saturation magnetization values varying from 44.94 to 89.92 emu/g. Remarkably, the Taguchi method optimized the synthesis conditions, establishing Ca2+ and Gd3+ doping concentrations of 0.032 and 0.03, pH at 6, a calcination time of 4 h, and a temperature of 800 °C. These settings yielded a sample exhibiting a uniform particle distribution and homogeneous morphology, marking it as a promising prospect for applications in the realm of biomedicine.