Unveiling the thermal and structural characteristics of synthesized CoFe2-XNdXO4:SiO2 nanocomposites

Rare earth-doped ferrites stems from their unique and tuneable properties, leading to a wide range of potential applications. Synthesis of CoFe 2-x Nd x O 4 :SiO 2 nanocomposites at various concentrations of Nd 3+ ions doping is carried out by sol-gel method and structural as well as thermal parameters have been evaluated by using XRD, FTIR, TEM, and TGA- DTG analysis techniques. Enhancement in XRD peak intensity may be due to an increase in crystallite size which could be attributed to the larger ionic radius of Nd 3+ (0.995 ​Å) replacing Fe 3+ ions (0.67 ​Å). TEM results are also reported in good agreement for particle size 26 ​nm, 35 ​nm, 39 ​nm, and 47 ​nm at Nd 3+ ions concentrations 0.00, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.1 respectively, supporting the XRD results. TGA- DTG curve indicates a maximum weight loss for all the samples in the temperature range of 20 ​°C–350 ​°C due to maximum water evaporation and decomposition of precursors. At high temperatures, spherical particles with aggregation can be viewed from the TEM images. These explored physicochemical and morphological parameters may be insightful to optimise novel functionalities for advance high-tech fields. • XRD analysis of CoFe 2-x Nd x O 4 :SiO 2 nanocomposites prepared by by Sol-Gel method annealed at 1000 ​°C shows cubic spinel structure with the Fd3m phase group. • Particle size as a function of Nd 3+ concentration shows a linear increasing behaviour indicating the rise in size as a function of dopant concentration. • In FTIR spectra, bands present in the range 1000-400 ​cm −1 are attributed to the bond between metal and oxygen. • XRD results supported by TEM measurement to have particle size 26 ​nm, 35 ​nm, 39 ​nm and 47 ​nm at Nd 3+ ions concentration 0.00, 0.050, 0.075 and 0.1 respectively. • Maximum weight loss supported by sharp peaks at 232 ​°C (x ​= ​0.00), 228 ​°C (x ​= ​0.075) and 228 ​°C (x ​= ​0.1) in DTG curves, afterwards a small weight loss indicated formation of stable structures.