Structure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline NiFe2O 4 prepared via precipitation route

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Ni-ferrite was synthesized by modified precipitation method in which soluble starch is used as dispersing agent and Na2CO 3 as a precipitating agent. NiSO4-6H2O and Fe(NO3)3-9H2O were used as precursors for nickel and ferric oxide, respectively. The obtained nanocrystalline Ni-ferrite was analysed and discussed through structural, compositional and magnetic characterization. Formation of pure NiFe2O4 phase with average crystallite size of 21 nm has been con rmed by X-ray di raction analysis (XRD). The determined phase composition was additionally supported by results of 57Fe Mössbauer phase (MS) analysis and material's nanocrystalline structure by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Thermomagnetic behaviour was studied up to 800 C. The obtained room temperature magnetic hysteresis loop, recorded by means of a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), exhibits characteristic "S" shape of the soft magnetic material with the measured coercivity of about 10 kA/m and the specific moment up to 40 Am2/kg.