Magnetic properties of Co-ferrite and SiO 2-doped Co-ferrite thin films and powders by sol-gel

Abstract

Thin films and powders of Co-ferrite and SiO 2-doped Co-ferrite were fabricated via the sol-gel method. The structural and magnetic properties of the films and powders were investigated with X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). VSM measurements showed an enhancement of coercivity by SiO 2-doping for Co-ferrite powders and thin films (coercivity of 3.5 kOe in SiO 2-doped thin films). XRD and SEM investigations revealed a nanostructure of the thin films. Low surface roughness was observed in our AFM study.