Impact of erbium on structural, optical, magnetic and photocatalytic performance of Co-Mn nanoferrites

Abstract

The citrate method was used successfully to synthesize rare earth erbium (Er3+) doped Co-Mn nanoferrites (CME nanoferrites) with the chemical formulation Co0.5Mn0.5ErxFe2−xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). Specimens’ X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns ensured the production of a single-phase cubic spinel structure; although, a secondary phase of Er2O3 had been observed at higher Er concentration (x ≥ 0.06). The lattice parameter (a) rose as the Er3+ content in the lattice grew. Average crystallite size, determined by Williamson–Hall method, increased first up to x = 0.06 and then declined at higher values of x. According to FTIR analysis revealed that the spectra included two main absorption bands at ∼600 and 400 cm−1, as well as other bands. The band gap was estimated using UV-Diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy, which ranged between 1.39 and 1.48 eV. The saturation magnetization was first boosted by doping Er3+ till x = 0.02, then decreased as the Er3+ ion concentration rose. Inclusion of erbium ions significantly increased the coercivity from 538 G to 569 G. Photocatalytic effectiveness of CME nanoferrites was examined by measuring Methylene Blue (MB) photocatalytic degradation (PCD) under natural Sunshine. Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 had the highest photocatalytic activity in natural Sunlight (59% after 270 min), followed by Co0.5Mn0.5Er0.1Fe1.9O4 (49% after 270 min). As a result, CME nanoferrites could be considered as a suitable material for water purification.