Mn-Zn soft magnetic ferrite nanoparticles synthesized from spent alkaline Zn-Mn batteries

▶ This manuscript reports for the first time to prepare Mn-Zn soft magnetic ferrite nanoparticles using spent alkaline Zn-Mn batteries as raw material by multi-step processes including acid leaching, chemical treatment of battery iron shells and citrate-nitrate precursor auto-combustion. ▶ Synthesized Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles have pure ferrite phase, larger saturation magnetization and lower coercivity compared with the same composition ferrites prepared by other techniques due to better crystallinity. ▶ Auto-combustion Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles synthesis method presents a viable alternative for alkaline Zn-Mn batteries recycling due to its target product is not a single metal or its oxide. ▶ It is original and not currently submitted for review to any other journal and their intent is to publish the article in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds.