Cobalt, nickel and zinc spinel ferrites with high transmittance and UV-blocking for advanced optical applications
Mai M. El-Masry, M. M. Arman
Abstract
Abstract This study successfully synthesized and characterized CoFe 2 O 4 , NiFe 2 O 4 , and ZnFe 2 O 4 ferrite nanoparticles. The results showed that CoFe 2 O 4 and NiFe 2 O 4 exhibited ferrimagnetic behavior, while ZnFe 2 O 4 demonstrated antiferromagnetic properties. These magnetic characteristics influence the material’s response to electromagnetic radiation, such as visible and infrared light. Optical studies revealed that CoFe 2 O 4 had the highest radiation absorption, while ZnFe 2 O 4 showed superior reflection and transmission. The ferrites’ band gap energies, ranging from 3.3 to 3.6 eV, played a key role in their optical properties, with higher energy absorption and lower energy reflection. The refractive index varied with photon energy, reaching its peak at lower energy levels due to oxygen vacancies. Additionally, the optical conductivity increased with higher photon energy, peaking at 4.3 eV. These findings suggest promising applications in light transmission and sensing, with ferrites offering versatile optical properties that can be tailored for various uses.