Effect of Non-aqueous Media on Nano-crystalline SrFe12O19 Particles Produced by Co-precipitation with Metal Chlorides and Evaluation of Their Magnetic and Photocatalytic Properties

The strontium ferrite nano-crystals were prepared via co-precipitation method in different synthesis media including a mixture of ethanol and water (with a volume ratio equal to 3:1) and water. In this way, the iron and strontium chlorides with various molar ratios were utilized as sources for Fe3+ and Sr2+ ions, respectively. Phase analyses, structural properties and morphology of the SrFe12O19 powders were characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Thermal decomposition behaviors of the as-synthesized precursors were monitored by DTA/TGA (differential thermal analysis/thermo-gravimetric analysis). The effects of molar ratio, calcination temperature and co-precipitation media of the strontium ferrite powder were investigated. The results of DTA indicated that the strontium hexaferrite prepared by co-precipitation in ethanol/water media was formed at a lower temperature. The maximum saturation magnetization of the strontium ferrite powder with the value of 58 emu/g was achieved at a temperature of 950 degrees C by a Fe3+/Sr2+ molar ratio of 12. Wide coercivity in the range of 1512-5764 Oe was observed by tuning calcination temperatures. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of the resultant optimum SrFe12O19 particles were assessed. The destruction of methylene blue dye was about 46% in the presence of the strontium ferrite under UV light irradiation for 120 min.