Effect of calcination temperature of CeO2/ZnFe2O4/CuFe2O4 nanocomposites: structural, surface area and paramagnetic properties

Abstract

This research examined how varying calcination temperatures affected the fundamental characteristics of ZnFe₂O₄/CuFe₂O₄/CeO₂ nanocomposites. These materials were created using an autocombustion technique and then subjected to calcination at 600, 700, and 800 °C, with the resulting samples labeled CeZnCu 1, CeZnCu 2, and CeZnCu 3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements demonstrated that the purity of the crystalline phases and the average crystallite dimensions were significantly altered by the temperature of calcination. The material's morphology, specifically particle size and shape alterations resulting from heat treatment, was visualized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Chemical bonding was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the elemental surface composition was quantified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface area and pore characteristics were determined via Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, which demonstrated a significant textural modification due to the thermal processing. The study's findings emphasize the crucial role of calcination temperature in controlling the physical and chemical properties of these nanocomposites. This work offers valuable information for optimizing the synthesis process, allowing for the precise adjustment of material properties for diverse applications and the advancement of material design.