Exploring novel magnetic behaviors in cobalt-doped magnetite synthesized by plasma arc discharge method

Abstract

Magnetite, a naturally occurring iron oxide, has been widely studied due to its potential applications in various fields. Doping magnetite with foreign ions can significantly alter its structural and magnetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Co2+ ion doping on the structural and magnetic properties of magnetite. The work introduces cobalt-substituted iron ferrites synthesized using a novel plasma arc discharge (PAD) method and systematically explores how cobalt content affects magnetic properties, aiming to optimize the material for enhanced performance. A series of CoxFe1-xFe2O4 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5) ferrites with varying Co2+ concentrations (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5) were synthesized using a PAD method. The synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Magnetic properties were evaluated through magnetic hysteresis loops and permeability spectra. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a nanostructured spinel-type oxide in all samples. FESEM images revealed ultra-fine particles with a homogeneous composition and narrow size distribution. The optimal combination of magnetic properties was achieved at a Co2+ concentration of x=0.1, which exhibited a high saturation magnetization, low coercivity, moderate effective anisotropy constant, and a relatively high magnetic permeability at 5 MHz. The results demonstrate that Co2+ ion doping can effectively tailor the structural and magnetic properties of magnetite. The optimized composition (x=0.1) offers promising potential for applications requiring a balance of high magnetization and low coercivity.