Chitosan coated Yb-doped MnCo ferrite: Tailoring properties via gamma irradiation for contrast agents and sensors

Background

Gamma irradiation alters the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of Chitosan-coated Ytterbium-doped MnCo spinel ferrites. These findings hold significant potential for applications in diverse fields, including advanced materials science and electronics.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on chitosan-coated ytterbium-doped MnCo spinel ferrite nanoparticles.

Materials and methods

Ferrite NPs were meticulously synthesized using co-precipitation, ensuring precise control over elemental ratios. Samples were exposed to high-energy gamma radiation at 50 KGy and 75 KGy doses. X-ray Diffraction technique was used to study the crystallographic structure of un-irradiated and irradiated samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy was employed to examine the morphological aspects of the samples, providing insights into their surface topography. A Vibrating Sample Magnetometer was used to measure the magnetic behaviour of the prepared samples, allowing us to evaluate their saturation magnetization.

Results

XRD spectra revealed observable increases in crystallite size in response to higher radiation doses. This alteration in crystallite size correlated with the intensity of the radiation dose. Vibrating Sample Magnetometer analysis shows a significant increase in saturation magnetization and a decrease in coercivity depending on the radiation dosage from 50 KGy to 75 KGy.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that gamma irradiation can effectively tailor the structural, optical, morphological, and magnetic properties of chitosan-coated Yb-doped Mn–Co spinel ferrites, optimizing them for potential applications in sensors and MRI contrast agents.