Speaker
Mr
T. Amos Nhlapo
(Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)
Description
Zn0.5Mn0.5SmxFe2-xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) fine powders with average crystallite size in the range 12-17 nm were synthesized by glycol-thermal reaction. The as synthesized compounds were subjected to the annealing process of 1100 C, after which the crystallite size increased to about 60 nm. XRD analysis confirmed a single phase cubic spinel structure in all the compounds investigated. TEM images showed nearly spherical particles with uniform particle size distributions. The Mössbauer spectrum of Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0) oxide could be resolved into two quadrupole doublets indicative of paramagnetic spin state. Sm3+ substituted Zn0.5Mn0.5SmxFe2-xO4 (0.01≤ x ≤ 0.05) fine powders show weak sextets in addition to broad doublets attributed to some particles magnetic moments in ordered magnetic phase. The Mössbauer spectra of the compounds annealed at 1100 C exhibit magnetic split sextets indicative of ordered magnetic phase. The compounds have small coercive fields and high saturation magnetization (40 emu/g to 60 emu/g) which reduces with increasing Sm3+ content due to the paramagnetic nature of Sm3+ ions.
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
N/A
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
No
Primary author
Mr
T. Amos Nhlapo
(Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)
Co-authors
Prof.
Justice Msomi
(University of Zululand)
Dr
Thonas Moyo
(University of KwaZulu-Natal)
