Impact of Iron on the Fe–Co–Ni Ternary Nanocomposites Structural and Magnetic Features Obtained via Chemical Precipitation Followed by Reduction Process for Various Magnetically Coupled Devices Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of Fe–Co–Ni nanocomposites by chemical precipitation, followed by a reduction process. It was found that the influence of the chemical composition and reduction temperature greatly alters the phase formation, its structures, particle size distribution, and magnetic properties of Fe–Co–Ni nanocomposites. The initial hydroxides of Fe–Co–Ni combinations were prepared by the co-precipitation method from nitrate precursors and precipitated using alkali. The reduction process was carried out by hydrogen in the temperature range of 300–500 °C under isothermal conditions. The nanocomposites had metallic and intermetallic phases with different lattice parameter values due to the increase in Fe content. In this paper, we showed that the values of the magnetic parameters of nanocomposites can be controlled in the ranges of MS = 7.6–192.5 Am2/kg, Mr = 0.4–39.7 Am2/kg, Mr/Ms = 0.02–0.32, and HcM = 4.72–60.68 kA/m by regulating the composition and reduction temperature of the Fe–Co–Ni composites. Due to the reduction process, drastic variations in the magnetic features result from the intermetallic and metallic face formation. The variation in magnetic characteristics is guided by the reduction degree, particle size growth, and crystallinity enhancement. Moreover, the reduction of the surface spins fraction of the nanocomposites under their growth induced an increase in the saturation magnetization. This is the first report where the influence of Fe content on the Fe–Co–Ni ternary system phase content and magnetic properties was evaluated. The Fe–Co–Ni ternary nanocomposites obtained by co-precipitation, followed by the hydrogen reduction led to the formation of better magnetic materials for various magnetically coupled device applications.

Exploring the potential of ternary nanocomposite in biosensor development

“…The resulting composite surpasses the restrictions of separate parts by combining the unique traits of each material, providing properties that make it well-suited for specific applications. Ternary nanocomposites have various multifunctional features, including great mechanical strength, exceptional redox reactivity, excellent electrical conductivity, a large surface area, and exceptional catalytic activity [79][80]. Because of these qualities, ternary nanocomposite was preferred over single or dual nanomaterials.…”

“…Using one or two nanoparticles for biosensor design instead of ternary nanocomposites may have the following disadvantages: i) Restricted functionality: Unlike ternary nanocomposites, one or two nanomaterials may have limited functions or properties. Ternary nanocomposites can integrate the various properties of three different nanomaterials, resulting in a broader range of properties such as enhanced conductivity, catalytic activity, or binding abilities [79][80]. This functional constraint may reduce the biosensor's sensing capacity and overall performance.…”

Nanocomposites: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Nanoscale Phenomena) in Advanced Composites

“…This is with regard to any material property of the nanocomposites, be it related to crystallographic and/or electronic structure. In line with this theme, eight representative articles [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] have been published in this Special Issue:…”

“…Karunakaran et al [ 2 ] reported the synthesis of Fe–Co–Ni ternary nanocomposites obtained by co-precipitation and followed by hydrogen reduction, and the effect of Fe content on the consequent magnetic properties (as a first report). Initial hydroxides of Fe-Co–Ni combinations were prepared by the co-precipitation method from nitrate precursors and precipitated using alkali.…”