Polymetallic citric complexes as precursors for spray-pyrolysis deposition of thin ferrite films

► Spray-pyrolysis is a suitable method for ferrite thin films (40-800 nm) deposition. ► Mixed-metal citric complexes (ethylene glycol solution) are promising starting material. ► Uniform stoichiometric single phase MFe2O4 films (M = Cu, Mg, Zn) are produced. ► Film morphological grains are in the intervals 30-100 nm (Cu, Mg) and 0.15-1 μm (Zn).