Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a SiO2 matrix synthesized by sol-gel processing

► NiZn ferrite/SiO2 nanocomposites are successfully synthesized by a sol-gel route. ► Depending on the NiZn ferrite content single or bimodal size distributions result. ► Coercivity (1.9-7.6 mT) is 50% higher than in stoichiometric NiZn ferrite powders. ► Microstructure and magnetic properties are correlated.