Influence of precipitating agent concentration on nanoparticles size and magnetic properties of zinc ferrites

Abstract

A series of Zn ferrite nanoparticles was prepared by varying the concentration of precipitating agent (NaOH) in the range of 1-5 M. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was used as capping agent for stabilizing the particles and to prevent agglomeration. The synthesis done at low temperature was followed by a thermal treatment at 500°C for 6 h in air. The crystallite size determined using Scherer formula ranged between 8-10 nm while the nanoparticles average size observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy varied in between 7-10 nm showing that the increase of coprecipitation agent concentration influences the particles growth. Vibrating sample magnetometry confirmed the strong influence that nanoparticles morphology and size play on superparamagnetic properties of Zn ferrite.