Simple and effective way to prepare CuFe_2O_4/SiO_2 nanocomposites by Sol-Gel method

摘要

Nano-composite containing CuFe_2O_4 nano size crystals embedded in amorphous silica matrix was prepared by Sol-Gel method. The gel of composition 5%CuO-6%Fe_2O_3-89%SiO_2 was synthesized at ambient temperature and heat treated at different temperatures ( 303 K - 1073 K). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the formation of nanocrystals during heat treatment. CuFe_2O_4 nanocrystals were formed from the heat treated gel around 1073 K. The particle size of uniformly distributed CuFe2O4 nanocrystals is estimated from TEM micrograph and is found to be 10 to 20 nm in diameter.