Preparation, structural, magnetic, and AC electrical properties of synthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and its PVDF composites

This research focuses on the synthesis of nanoscale cobalt spinel ferrite (CoFe2O4) via the sol-gel auto-combustion method and its integration with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to fabricate CoFe2O4-PVDF nanocomposites. The characterization of cobalt ferrite, using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealed a pristine cubic spinel structure with a mean crystallite size of 46.61 nm, and a homogeneous particle distribution. A key finding is a marked reduction in AC conductivity upon incorporating CoFe2O4 into the PVDF matrix, underscoring its potential in energy storage applications. The composite materials exhibit enhanced magnetic properties, including significant saturation magnetization and increased coercivity, making them prime candidates for high-density magnetic recording applications. Interestingly, the study also unveils that including CoFe2O4 in PVDF does not alter the beta phase of PVDF, highlighting the compatibility and stability of the composite formation. Furthermore, the impedance analysis of the ferrite and composite samples revealed the predominance of grain boundary resistance, offering more profound insights into their electrical behaviour. This finding is pivotal in understanding the electrical conduction mechanisms within these nanocomposites. Despite the comprehensive analysis, the absence of the highest peak in the loss tangent indicates the necessity for further investigation into the dielectric loss dynamics of these materials. Overall, this research significantly advances the understanding of CoFe2O4 nanostructures and their potential applications in advanced nanotechnology, particularly in energy storage and high-density magnetic recording. Future studies are expected to further refine these materials for a broader range of technological applications.