Synthesis, structural and electrical characterization of Sb3+ substituted spinel nickel ferrite (NiSbxFe2−xO4) nanoparticles by reverse micelle technique

Spinel nickel ferrite with nominal composition NiFe2−xSbxO4 (where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) has been synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method. The samples synthesized were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTGA, SEM, AFM, Mossbauer Spectroscopy and DC electrical resistivity measurements. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of single spinel phase and the crystallite size was found to be in the range of 8–38 nm. The particle size of the synthesized samples was also confirmed by the AFM and SEM which was found in the range of 5–45 nm and 10–45 nm, respectively and this size is small enough for obtaining the suitable signal-to-noise ratio in high density recording media. The Mossbauer spectra of samples showed two well-resolved Zeeman patterns corresponding to A and B sites and also observed a doublet at higher substitution. The DC electrical resistivity showed an interesting behavior with temperature and observed a metal-to-semiconductor transition temperature (TM–S) which suggests that the material can be applied for switching applications. The resistivity increases with the increase in Sb-content and it suggests that the material can be fruitfully used for applications in microwave devices.

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► The synthesized nanoferrites showed interesting behavior with temperature showing metal-to-semiconductor transition temperature which may be beneficial for switching application.
► Antimony has strong preference at octahedral site confirmed by the Mossbauer spectroscopy.
► The microemulsion method is found to be useful in obtaining small grain size.
► The room temperature resistivity is found to increase with antimony content.