Improved structural and catalytic attributes of Ba2Co2Fe12−2x(Zr,Ni)xO22 materials synthesized by sol–gel and microwave heating methods

Abstract

Nominal composition of Zr–Ni co-doped Ba₂Co₂Fe_12−2x(Zr,Ni)_xO₂₂ (x = 0.2–1.0) Y-type hexaferrites were synthesized by conventional sol–gel and microwave heating methods. Structural analysis was carried out by TGA, SEM, XRD, O₂-TPD and BET surface area. Microwave synthesized samples revealed good morphological properties with high surface area and high porosity compared to that obtained by the sol–gel method. Catalytic decomposition of N₂O was achieved at low temperatures of 600 °C and 700 °C for microwave and sol–gel prepared samples, respectively. The catalysts are found workable and stable even at 1146 °C with very good N₂O decomposition efficiency. Substituting iron with Zr–Ni further enhanced the catalytic activity in both the cases.