Structural, optical and magnetic properties of (x)NiO/(1-x)CdFe2O4 nanocomposites

Nanocomposite (x)NiO/(1-x)CdFe2O4 were synthesized using co-precipitation method with x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 1. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the presence of NiO and CdFe2O4 phases with no chemical reaction between both phases. The scanning electron microscope images show the agglomeration between the particles, revealing the magnetic interaction between NiO and CdFe2O4 nanoparticles. The band-gap energy Eg, measured from UV–vis spectra, decreases with the increase of the particle size measured from the transmission electron microscope. The obtained data from the vibrating sample magnetometer indicate that NiO and CdFe2O4 nanoparticles are interacting magneto-statically. The coercivity and the saturation magnetization values of the nanocomposites are found to be in the ranges 3.22–378.62 G and 0.27–2.34 emu/g respectively. Exchange couple interaction between NiO and CdFe2O4 is confirmed from the single peak observed in switching field distribution curves. •The spinel cubic structure of CdFe2O4 nanoparticles and the fcc structure of NiO nanoparticles are confirmed by XRD.•TEM shows agglomeration of nanoparticles due to strong magnetic interaction between NiO and CdFe2O4.•The variation of the band gap energy with the particle size referred to the quantum confinement effect.•The switching field distribution curves indicate the exchange coupling interaction due to the observed single peak.