Magnetic/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films prepared by sol-gel dip coating modified method

Nanocomposite thin films of Spinel Iron-Oxide and SiO₂ have been prepared with sol-gel dip-coating technique involving the synthesis of a ferrofluid, which has been stabilized in absence of organic media and led to the formation of magnetic nanoparticles. Structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized ferrofluid and the relevant derived nanocomposite films are reported, as determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Fourier-transform infrared, Mössbauer and Ultraviolet-visible experimental techniques. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force and magnetic force microscopy results are also reported. The synthesized ferrofluid, composed of magnetic nanoparticles of an XRD estimated average size of 18 nm, exhibit Raman spectra characteristic of a maghemite phase. These ferromagnetic nanoparticles retained their nanostructure after being inserted into the as prepared films. After heat treatment under Ar atmosphere, the maghemite nanoparticles were transformed to non-stoichiometric magnetite, providing the final composite material with useful potential application characteristics. The calcined films reported here exhibit crack-free morphology, consisting of aggregated silica/magnetic nanoparticles, with a final average size of c.a. 100 nm, while the film roughness shows a maximum peak to peak of c.a. 10 nm.