Modified combustion synthesis of Nano-NiFe2O4: Optimization using Taguchi experimental design

Nano-NiFe2O4 powders were prepared by modified combustion of DTPA as a new fuel. Three factors such as fuel to oxidizer ratio (F/O), added fuel type and added to the main fuel ratio were evaluated under Taguchi L8 experimental design and analysis. Urea and EDTA were selected as added fuels and sterile gauze was used as a template for the first time. The crystal sizes were optimized as the responses of the experiments. Optimum condition for production of smaller crystals was determined as using EDTA as added fuel and added/main fuels molar ratio of 0.75. The structural and morphological properties of the products were characterized using, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). FESEM and TEM micrographs showed agglomerated spherical and cubic nanoparticles with an average particle size of 60 nm. XRD analysis revealed the cubic spinel structure and ferrite phase with high crystallinity in the range of 13-23 nm.