Structural analysis and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline NiCuZn ferrites synthesized via a novel gelatin method

•Nano-sized NiCuZn ferrites were synthesized through a novel gelatin method.•Single-phase cubic spinel structures were obtained at different Cu contents.•The effect of Cu-substitution on electrical and magnetic properties was studied.

In this study, nano-crystalline Ni0.6−xCuxZn0.4Fe2O4 ferrite (0.0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.5) with grain sizes of 16–38 nm have been prepared through a novel method using gelatin. The proper calcination temperature for the precursors which corresponding to the ferrites formation is estimated through thermal analysis measurement. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure. The grain size was estimated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. The lattice constant hardly changed with increasing copper concentration while the crystallite size increases. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) indicate that the portion of Fe3+ ions at the tetrahedral sites move to the octahedral sites as some of the substituted Cu2+ ions get into the tetrahedral sites. The effect of Cu-substitution on the magnetic properties was studied through the temperature dependence of the molar magnetic susceptibility. The Curie temperatures (TC) were found to decrease with increasing the Cu concentration while molar magnetic susceptibilities remain constant.

Graphical abstractTEM image of nano-crystalline Ni0.3Cu0.3Zn0.4Fe2O4 shows spherical particles with regularity in both particle size and shape. The particles are permanently magnetized and get agglomerated because they experience a permanent magnetic moment proportional to their volume.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide