A total X-ray scattering study of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a silica aerogel matrix

Structural information on a MnFe2O4–SiO2 nanocomposite aerogel and on the pure silica aerogel matrix were obtained by total X-ray scattering experiments. The total pair distribution function of the silica aerogel is in agreement with literature data on melt-quenched silica. The total pair distribution function of the nanocomposite contains the contribution of all the pair correlations of the atomic species making the interpretation more difficult. The difference curve obtained by subtracting the total pair distribution function of the matrix from that of the nanocomposite, allows to selectively study the structural environment of the nanoparticles.

Research Highlights
► X-ray total scattering data on nanocomposite aerogel and matrix.
► Pair correlation of nanoparticles singled out by radial distribution difference.
► Complementary approach to EXAFS spectroscopy.