Core–Shell Nanoarchitectonics of CoFe₂O₄ Encapsulated La₂Fe₂O₆ Nanoparticles for Their Use in Various Applications

Abstract

It would be helpful to achieve appropriate synthetic routes to attain larger-scale production at industrial levels of nanocomposites at low costs. In the present work, diphasic composites with core–shell nanostructures formed by La₂Fe₂O₆/CoFe₂O₄ are investigated. The core–shell structure is fabricated via different preparation methods. The advantages and the demerits of the synthesis techniques are discussed. The presence of both the spinel CoFe₂O₄ nano ferrite and orthorhombic La₂Fe₂O₆ perovskite phases is revealed by X-ray diffraction. XPS spectroscopy is utilized to investigate the chemical composition of the prepared samples. The hysteresis loops of the prepared samples exhibit a smooth loop that is resulted from the existence of two homogeneous magnetic phases. For the first time, it has been found that the preparation conditions have the advantage of reducing the switching field distribution value for the core–shell nanoparticles. Exchange coupled core–shell nanoparticles present a high potential to regulate the magnetic properties for numerous applications such as heavy metal removal and/or data storage devices. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of Cr III on the core–shell (S3) is higher compared to other adsorbents previously testified in the literature. The cost-effective and eco-friendly prepared core–shell samples with good metal removal capacity have great potential for commercialization.