Li-substituted Mn-Zn ferrite: Structural and Magnetic Properties After Different Thermal Treatments

Spinel ferrites of composition Zn0.6Mn0.4Fe2O4 and Li0.2Zn0.2Mn0.4Fe2.5O4 were prepared by the self-combustion sol-gel method. The samples were heat-treated in different atmospheres and temperatures, producing different effects on their morphological and structural properties. The resulting products of each treatment were structurally and magnetically characterized. Incorporating Li to the crystalline lattice increases saturation magnetization and promotes a decrease in secondary phases’ segregation. This result is explained assuming that Li incorporation produces a cationic redistribution in the spinel structure.