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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
1. In the present investigation cobalt based nano ferrites were successfully synthesized using sol gel and co-precipitation methods.
2. Nano crystalline Samarium doped Cobalt Ferrite particles CoSmxFe2-xO4 (x= 0, 0.1 and 0.2) were prepared using the sol - gel technique.
3. Nano crystalline Zinc doped Cobalt Ferrite particles Co1-xZnxFe2O4 (x =0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) were prepared using the wet chemical co-precipitation method. These samples have been subjected to various structural characterizations.
4. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the crystallinity of the particles. Crystallite size is found to be increasing with annealing temperature and it can be attributed to the grain growth of the particles.
5. FTIR spectroscopic analysis corroborates the inverse spinel structure of the samples. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum confirmed the purity of the synthesized cobalt based nanoparticles and the required stoichiometry.
6. X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscope images showed that particles are nano crystalline.
7. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis showed that the cobalt ferrite nano-particles are agglomerated and spherical in shape.
8. The properties of cobalt ferrite can be modified by the addition of small amount of foreign ions. It is found that the crystallite size decreases with the increase in the concentration of foreign ions such as samarium and zinc in the cobalt ferrite. The decrease in the crystallite size may be due to the occurrence of a metastable cation distribution different from their bulk counterpart.
9. It is expected that by optimizing the preparation conditions, firing temperature and suitably choosing the appropriate foreign ions it will be able to control the size of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, which will make them suitable for applications. The present work thus extends ample scope for future investigations. | 
