High-yield synthesis and magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 single crystal nanocubes in aqueous solution

► ZnFe2O4 nanocubes were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method for the first time. ► ZnFe2O4 nanocubes demonstrate drastically enhanced Ms. value and the coercivity value Hc. ► The cationic substitution method provides a new way to tailor the magnetic behavior of ferrites.