In this work, we have successfully
synthesized superparamagnetic
nanocomposites, Ce
4–
x
Sr
1+
x
Fe
5–
x
Zn
x
O
14+δ
(0 ≤
x
≤ 0.45) (CSFZ) (TA1–TA4:
x
= 0, 0.15,
0.30, and 0.45) via the Nitrate–citrate sol–gel method.
X-ray diffraction studies show the formation of single-phase nanocomposites
(NCs) and the average crystallite size is found to be 18 nm. Energy-dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy analysis supports the formation of the desired
product with the expected composition. The scanning electron microscopy
image shows that the prepared samples are in spherical shape and highly
porous in nature. Most of the particle sizes present in the image
are in the range of 5–20 nm. The optical studies show an intense
peak at 583 nm corresponding to the instantaneous existence of both
Fe
2+
and Fe
3+
intervalence electronic charge
transition bands. X-ray photoelectron spectra analysis confirms the
presence of elements with their preferred oxidation state. The superparamagnetic
nature of the prepared sample was confirmed by vibrating sample magnetometer
analysis. Synthesized materials show a low saturate magnetic moment
ranging from 0.3400 to 0.1075 emu/g. The coercivity and retentivity
value of the synthesized NC is zero. The NCs show
high encapsulation efficiency toward ciprofloxacin hydrochloride because
of their unique structure and release the loaded drug molecules in
a sustained manner up to 10 h at pH 7.4. Such NCs have high potential
for use as multifunctional material in various fields such as optical
properties, conductivity studies, dielectric, sensor, and drug delivery
properties.