Co-Doped NdFeO₃ Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Optical, and Magnetic Properties Study

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Neodymium Iron Oxide (NdFeO3) perovskites are known for their interesting magnetic and optical properties.
• Controlling these properties is key for developing new functional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize single-phase nanostructured Neodymium Iron Oxide (NdFeO3) perovskites with partial substitution of iron by cobalt (NdFe1-xCoxO3).
• To investigate the impact of cobalt doping on the structural, magnetic, and optical characteristics of NdFeO3.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NdFe1-xCoxO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) via annealing of hydroxide precursors at 750 °C for 60 minutes.
• Characterization of structural, magnetic, and optical properties of the synthesized perovskite nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of single-phase nanostructured NdFe1-xCoxO3 perovskites.
• Partial substitution of Fe by Co significantly altered structural characteristics.
• Observed a decrease in optical band gap (Eg = 2.06–1.46 eV) with increasing cobalt content.
• Demonstrated an increase in coercivity (Hc = 136.76–416.06 Oe) with cobalt doping.

Conclusions:

• Cobalt doping in NdFeO3 perovskites offers a pathway to tune magnetic and optical properties.
• The resulting Co-doped NdFeO3 nanoparticles exhibit low optical band gaps and high coercivity.
• These properties make the materials highly advantageous for applications in photocatalysis and hard magnetic devices.