The influence of composition and porosity on the magnetic properties of FeCo-SiO2 nanocomposite aerogels

FeCo-SiO2 aerogel nanocomposites with different porosity were obtained using two different sol-gel procedures: the first involves a single acidic step and gives rise to relatively dense aerogels while the second procedure allows one to obtain highly porous aerogels using urea in the second step to promote fast gelation. Samples with different loading of FeCo equimolar alloy and with different Fe:Co ratios were prepared. The magnetic properties of all the nanocomposite aerogels were extensively studied as a function of porosity and composition. Particular attention was paid to the role played by the interparticle interactions, which are mediated by the silica matrix, in determining the collective magnetic behaviour. The kind and strength of magnetic interactions are affected by both the composition and the porosity of the matrix.