Impact of erbium on structural, optical, magnetic and photocatalytic performance of Co-Mn nanoferrites
N.I. Abu-Elsaad, S.A. Mazen, A S Nawara
Abstract
Abstract The citrate method was used successfully to synthesize rare earth erbium (Er 3+ ) doped Co-Mn nanoferrites (CME nanoferrites) with the chemical formulation Co 0.5 Mn 0.5 Er x Fe 2−x O 4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). Specimens’ X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns ensured the production of a single-phase cubic spinel structure; although, a secondary phase of Er 2 O 3 had been observed at higher Er concentration (x ≥ 0.06). The lattice parameter (a) rose as the Er 3+ content in the lattice grew. Average crystallite size, determined by Williamson–Hall method, increased first up to x = 0.06 and then declined at higher values of x. According to FTIR analysis revealed that the spectra included two main absorption bands at ∼600 and 400 cm −1 , as well as other bands. The band gap was estimated using UV-Diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy, which ranged between 1.39 and 1.48 eV. The saturation magnetization was first boosted by doping Er 3+ till x = 0.02, then decreased as the Er 3+ ion concentration rose. Inclusion of erbium ions significantly increased the coercivity from 538 G to 569 G. Photocatalytic effectiveness of CME nanoferrites was examined by measuring Methylene Blue (MB) photocatalytic degradation (PCD) under natural Sunshine. Co 0.5 Mn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 had the highest photocatalytic activity in natural Sunlight (59% after 270 min), followed by Co 0.5 Mn 0.5 Er 0.1 Fe 1.9 O 4 (49% after 270 min). As a result, CME nanoferrites could be considered as a suitable material for water purification.