Synthesis of Magnetic CuNi Nanoalloys by Sol-Gel-Based Pechini Method

Magnetic CuNi nanoalloys with different compositions were prepared by sol-gel-based Pechini method. A precursor material was prepared using citric acid, ethylene glycol, copper chloride and nickel chloride. The CuNi nanoalloys were obtained by calcination of the precursor material in H₂/N₂ atmosphere at 600°C. The composition, structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the CuNi nanoalloys were characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. AAS studies confirmed the expected Cu:Ni ratios in these nanoalloys. The XRD patterns showed the formation of fcc phase in the CuNi nanoalloys. The morphological characteristics of the CuNi nanoalloys show quasi-spherical particles with sizes in the range of 20-70 nm. Magnetic measurements reveal that the CuNi nanoalloys are typical soft magnetic materials.