Effects of synthesis methods on the structural and magnetic properties of Mg0.2Ni0.6Zn0.2Fe2O4 spinel ferrite

Abstract

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNPs), such as Mg_0.2Ni_0.6Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄, have unique properties that are influenced by their synthesis methods. Different bottom-up approaches, including sol–gel, auto-combustion, hydrothermal, and co-precipitation method were used to prepare these nanoparticles. Structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties were analysed using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Crystallite sizes measured using Scherrer’s formula were 28.9 nm, 20.2 nm, and 7.5 nm for the respective synthesis methods. FTIR spectra indicated metal–oxygen bond formation, TEM and SEM confirms cubical shaped morphology while VSM analysis revealed the pseudo-single domain nature of the synthesized SFNPs. The observed and estimated parameter strongly suggests that these materials could be used in biomedical and electronic applications.