Study of structural, optical, photocatalytic, electromagnetic, and biological properties Co0.75Mg0.25CexFe2−xO4 of Mg-Co nano ferrites

Abstract

Nano spinel ferrites with formula Co0.75Mg0.25CexFe2−xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 by step 0.05) were synthesized by using citrate gel auto combustion method and studied their structural characterization, optical studies, photocatalytic, biological and electromagnetic properties. Structural properties carried out by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR spectroscopy. The XRD studies confirm the crystalline size & lattice constant of Ce co-doped Co-Mg mixed nano ferrites. Morphology of the samples were examined by SEM and EDS analysis confirmed the proposed sample composition. FTIR spectral analysis help to confirm the formation of spinel structure in ferrite samples. Further optical studies confirm the band gap energy and cut off wavelength. Photocatalytic degradation of MB and AR dyes were carried out and good results were observed the degradation activity due to the catalyst heat treatment. Antibacterial studies confirmed that the nanoparticles are toxic to Bacillus subtilis, staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive strains) and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia (gram-negative strains) Bacillus subtilis showed highest zone of inhibition of 13.3 mm. Saturation magnetization, coercivity, and remanence magnetization were calculated by VSM and Co0.75Mg0.25Ce0.25Fe1.75O4 was found to have high saturation magnetization that indicates that the sample behaves like a super para magnet. The Squareness of Co-Mg-Ce mixed nano ferrites initially decreases than increases hence the system changes from soft ferrites to hard ferrites. The electromagnetic properties such as AC conductivity (σAC), Dielectric constant (ε/), and impedance analysis are reported. The cole–cole plots shows the single semicircle behaviour.