Structural and Morphological Properties of Free-Standing Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe2O4) Thin Films Via Liquid-Vapor Interfacial Method

Sanjeev Kumar; Rajesh Kumar

doi:10.61343/jcm.v2i02.58

Authors

Sanjeev Kumar Department of Physics and Astronomical Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh - 176206, India
Rajesh Kumar Department of Physics and Astronomical Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh - 176206, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61343/jcm.v2i02.58

Keywords:

CoFe2O4, free-standing, NH3 vapors, thin films

Abstract

Spinel ferrites-magnetic materials with unique crystal structures are widely used in various applications such as, spintronics devices, magnetic sensors, and high-density data storage. In this work, cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) thin films have been fabricated via liquid-vapor interfacial method, with an external magnetic field applied during the film formation. The films are formed without a substrate, which are freestanding and are grown in short span of time. The as formed CoFe₂O₄ thin films were transferred to glass substrates. Structural, morphological, and chemical bonding of the films have been analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD reveals a crystalline growth, orientated in the direction of (220) plane. Lattice parameters appeared to be influenced by external magnetic field with crystallite size from 43.6 to 51.7 nm without and with the presence of external magnetic field, respectively. Surface topography of the films investigated by FE-SEM, indicates uniform thickness of the films. The FTIR analysis identified functional groups, metal-oxygen stretching vibrations (Fe-O, Co-O), bonding environment and cationic distribution.

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