Green synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles assisted with bio-waste (Gomutram): Sintering effect on the properties of structural, microstructural and vibrational bands

Abstract

Synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles has been effectively accomplished by the cow-urine (Gomutram) as a chelating agent. The liberation of hazardous gases during the sol-gel synthesis process are minimized using cow-urine (Gomutram) as a chelating agent. The Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrum offers insights on the current composition of ferrite by providing information on the stoichiometric ratio of its constituent elements. The X-ray diffraction patterns provide substantiation for the formation of the spinel phase of present ferrite system. The ferrite systems that underwent sintering at lower temperatures exhibited a more conspicuous amorphous morphology. The experimental lattice parameter (a) and average crystallite size (D) were found to be within the range of 8.0688–8.3779 Å and 3.7–9.4 nm respectively. Both a and D demonstrate an augmentation in magnitude due to the heat treatment procedure. The function of activation energy in the ripening of crystalline size during the sintering process is significant particularly in relation to grain boundary energy. The aggregation of nanoparticles into large clusters can be attributed to the strong magnetic interactions present among them. The inherent characteristics of scanning electron micrographs unambiguously demonstrate. The vibrational frequencies (υ1 and υ2) observed from Fourier Transform Infrared spectra confirm the spinel phase of the present ferrite system. The changes seen in vibrational frequencies do not offer empirical support for the association between annealing and the expansion of the lattice constant. But, offers an empirical support for the hypothetical redistribution of cations in the spinel structure.