Abstract
New nanocomposite of CuFe2O4/SiO2 was prepared. It was characterised by XRD, electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and by magnetic measurement. / This work aims at characterizing the phase relations in the CuFe2O4/SiO2 system.
Samples were prepared by the sol-gel method. Final heat treatment of the samples was carried out at temperatures in the range of 800-1100 degrees C.
Final products were characterized by HR TEM, X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. HR TEM revealed nanocrystals with sizes of 7-130 nm, depending on the heat treatment temperature.
The spinel structure of CuFe2O4 in the amorphous silica matrix proved to be stable up to 1100 degrees C without decomposition to copper silicate and iron (III) oxide. At the same time, the amorphous silica matrix recrystallized to cristobalite at 1100 degrees C.