Synthesis of high aspect ratio of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 platelets for electromagnetic devices

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite platelets of 5 to 300 μm have been obtained by reaction in a molten salt between hematite platelets, NiO and ZnO powders. The hematite platelets are obtained by a hydrothermal treatment in an alkaline medium between 180 and 270 °C through a dissolution-recrystallization mechanism from maghemite which crystallizes first. The key parameter for size control is the mixture alkalinity. The largest platelets are obtained for [Fe3+] = 2.0 mol dm−3 and [OH−] = 15.3 N. The size distribution is narrow and the aspect ratio about 30. The reaction with nickel and zinc oxides yields the formation of polycrystalline platelets through a topotactic reaction allowing the platelet morphology, initial shape and size to be conserved. SEM observations reveal the ferrite platelets are made of adjacent micronic ferrite crystals with their [111] faces parallel to the platelet surface. Increasing the reaction temperature promotes an enlargement of the [111] faces. The respective solubilities of oxides and ferrites in the molten salts control the ferrite stoichiometry. KCl as a flux gives better results than NaCl with no modification of the crystal shape and no ZnO loss.