Synthesis, thermal treatment and characterization of cobalt ferrite-based nanocomposites

In this study cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized in a macroporous styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer template. Aqueous solutions containing Fe3 +  and Co2 +  ions (2:1 ratio) were retained in the template’s pores. The metal ions were precipitated inside the template using alkaline solution. In order to improve nanophase crystallinity samples were treated under different conditions; in air atmosphere and in nitrogen atmosphere, at 150°C or 300°C, for 2 or 4 h. All materials were characterized by chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. We found improvement of the nanoparticles’ crystallinity only after thermal treatments in air atmosphere whereas the polymer structure was modified only in air atmosphere and at higher temperature.