Preparation condition assisted modification of structural and magnetic properties of MgFe2O4 nano ferrite

Abstract

MgFe2O4 (MFO) nano ferrites, with grain diameter ranging between 15.79 - 37.54 nm, were synthesized by conventional sol-gel auto-combustion as well as microwave assisted combustion synthesis, utilizing honey as green fuel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements were used to monitor changes in structural and magnetic properties. XRD confirms the formation of single phase MFO spinel nano ferrite. Preparation conditions affect distribution of cations (on A, B site), inversion parameter (d) oxygen parameter u43m . Saturation magnetization linearly increases with both d and u43m . Microwave-assisted combustion synthesis of MFO shows highest saturation magnetization value of 31 Am2/kg with moderate coercivity of 112.05 Oe. MFO shows presence of surface magnetic dead layer due to surface spin disorder with thickness ranging between1.52 - 2.74 nm. Results show strong correlation between structural and magnetic properties.