Mössbauer and related studies on the formation of some mixed oxide catalysts of iron and cobalt

Abstract

A series of mixed oxides and ferrites of iron and cobalt has been prepared by taking iron and cobalt in the atomic ratio 1∶0.50, 1∶1.33 and 1∶3.00, respectively. These samples were prepared by calcination of the stoichiometric amount of their respective nitrate salts for 6 h in air at 500±10°C. Characterization of the samples has been carried out using Mössbauer spectroscopy. Percentage formation of α-Fe₂O₃ and CoFe₂O₄ has been determined using the same technique. These results have been supplemented by X-ray diffraction studies. The particle size has been calculated using Scanning Electron Microscopy. the decomposition of 0.5% w/v hydrogen peroxide at 40°C over the catalyst has also been studied.