Structure and magnetic properties of manganese–nickel ferrite with lithium substitution

Li0.5xMn0.4Ni0.6–xFe2+0.5xO4 (0.0≤x≤0.3) was obtained by calcining oxalates precursor over 600 °C in air. The precursor and its calcined products were characterized by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. A high-crystallized Li0.5xMn0.4Ni0.6–xFe2+0.5xO4 with a cubic structure was obtained when the precursor was calcined at 600 °C in air for 2 h. The specific saturation magnetization of Li0.5xMn0.4Ni0.6–xFe2+0.5xO4 depends on the composition and calcination temperature. Li0.1Mn0.4Ni0.4Fe2.1O4 obtained at 600 °C had the highest specific saturation magnetization value, 57.94 emu/g. However, Mn0.4Ni0.6Fe2O4 obtained at 600 °C had the highest coercivity value, 130.32 Oe.