Influence of NaCl on Magnetic Properties of MgFe2O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Gel Combustion

Abstract

The effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the magnetism of nanopowders of the spinel ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) produced using a salt-assisted solution combustion synthesis was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted to evaluate crystalline structure and phase composition of the synthesized materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the particle size and morphology. Magnetic behavior was analyzed by measuring and analyzing the respective hysteresis loops using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The characterization showed that the presence of NaCl affects the phase composition, size, and dispersion of the nanoparticles, as well as their magnetic behavior. The theoretical size of the nanoparticles was calculated using the Scherrer equation, obtaining sizes of about 21.07 nm for the nanoparticles without salt, 5.90 nm for the sample salt content of 1.7 mol and 6.48 nm—for 3.4 mol. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a drastic decrease in coercivity field, remanence, and saturation with increasing salt content. Therefore, the salt content is a crucial parameter in controlling the morphology and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles obtained by the solution combustion route.