On study of enhanced electrical properties of cobalt-doped hexaferrites: a pathway toward next-generation materials for disease detection and magnetic therapy
摘要
This study investigates the structural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of cobalt-doped Sr₁₋ₓCoₓFe12O19 M-type hexaferrites synthesized with varying cobalt concentrations (0.0, 0.2, and 0.4). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase hexagonal M-type structure with high crystallinity and nearly consistent crystallite sizes (~ 16.90 nm). A systematic reduction in lattice parameters and unit cell volume with increasing cobalt content indicates lattice contraction and enhanced structural compactness. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed shifts in Fe–O vibrational bands, suggesting modifications in bonding environments due to cobalt substitution. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy showed a decrease in optical band gap from 3.45 to 3.19 eV with increasing cobalt concentration, indicating changes in electronic structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated improved particle uniformity and grain growth, transitioning from irregular to more defined morphologies. Furthermore, dielectric measurements revealed enhanced dielectric constant and frequency-dependent behavior, consistent with Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization. Electrical analysis indicated increased AC conductivity with frequency, attributed to hopping conduction mechanisms. The novelty of this work lies in establishing a clear correlation between cobalt substitution and the simultaneous enhancement of structural, optical, and electrical properties, highlighting the potential of these materials for advanced electronic applications.