Synthesis of Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles with tunable morphology and magnetic properties

Abstract

Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles can be successfully synthesized using a simple method. The particles in the size range 20−400 nm with different regular shapes i.e. sphere-like, regular hexane and tetrahedron are controllably achieved by changing the metal ion concentration. Compared to pure Fe 3O 4 without dopants, Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles exhibit better microwave absorbing properties at 2−18 GHz. Among three Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles with different morphologies, tetrahedral Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles represent a better dielectric loss in high frequency range. This work is believed the first known report of Co–Cu–Zn doped Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles with tunable morphology and magnetic properties through the hydrothermal process without using any organic solvents, organic metal salts or surfactants.