Characterization of FeCo-SiO2 nanocomposite films prepared by sol-gel dip coating

FeCo-SiO2 nanocomposite films on silica glass substrates were prepared by the sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. FeCo alloy nanoparticles with average sizes around 10 nm were obtained which are well dispersed in the silica matrix and show superparamagnetic behavior. The experimental conditions of the sol-gel preparation influence the thickness and homogeneity of the films. The magnetic properties are also affected by preparation conditions.