Tailoring quantum dots through citric acid modulation of CoFe2O4 ferrite

Abstract

In the pursuit of advancing materials science, the focus has been on the development of Quantum dot CoFe2O4, a fascinating realm where the minuscule holds the key to great potential. By utilizing the cost-effective sol-gel method and adjusting the concentration of citric acid, we embarked on a journey to explore the intricacies of this magnetic material. XRD measurements determined the phase and structural characteristics of the synthesized cobalt ferrite. The Rietveld refinement clearly shows the single-phase cubic structure described by Fd-3m space group. The broad peak indicates the Quantum dots and nano sized particles depending on the FWHM, also the Debye Scherrer formula has been used to calculate the crystallite size of the prepared sample. It was found that the average crystallite size of different samples of CoFe2O4 lied in the range of 4.8–38.4 nm (Quantum dot to Nanometer range). The FWHM (full width at half maximum) broadening varied according to the citric acid, as the amount of citric acid increased, the FWHM decreased, which has been clearly seen in the XRD pattern. The required calculations were performed to ascertain micro-strain in the sample with the help of the W–H plot. For the surface morphological study, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) was performed for all samples, which suggested that all samples were well prepared and were in spherical shape. The EDAX confirmed the elemental composition present in the prepared samples of CoFe2O4. The Raman spectra supports our XRD data also deconvoluted Raman spectras suggest about the vibrational modes present in the sample and the three strong first-order Raman modes Eg, T2g, and A1g, were observed. As we delved deeper into vibrational harmonies, Raman spectroscopy unveiled a symphony of modes. The presence of different chemical bonds has been confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared Rays (FTIR) Spectroscopy.