Synthesis and characterization of MFe2O4 (M = Mg, Mn, Ni) nanoparticles

MFe2O4 nanoparticles were obtained in the presence of natural compounds as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The CMC polymer had a double function as a capping agent and as a protecting agent in the growth process of nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using thermal analysis (TG, DTA, DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD patterns indicate that all the samples were formed in single phase spinel structure. The results also show that the samples calcinated at 500 °C for 6 h have the best crystallinity and the calculated crystallite size was in the range of 6–13 nm. The thermal analysis and FTIR spectra indicate a core–shell structure of the MFe2O4 nanoparticles obtained.

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► MFe2O4 nano core–shell structures were obtained by thermal decomposition.
► Carboxymethyl cellulose was used as surfactant and capping agent.
► The structures were confirmed by thermal analysis, FTIR and XRD spectroscopy.
► The XRD patterns indicate that all the samples are in single phase spinel structure.
► The calculated crystallites are between 6 and 13 nm in size.