Solvent effects in the synthesis of MgFe2O4 nanopowders by reverse micelle processing

Nanopowders of MgFe2O4 have been synthesized by the novel and facile reverse microemulsion route. The effects of changing the continuous phase on the particle size and the magnetic property have been studied. The average particle size, morphology and saturation magnetization are shown to be dependent on the continuous phase. The average diameters of the particle prepared with heptane are 20.9 ± 4.3 nm. On the contrary, the product with toluene and cyclohexane is highly aggregated. The values of saturation magnetization for our samples prepared with heptane, toluene and cyclohexane are 14.5, 30 and 37 emu/g.

Research highlights▶ In this study we were able to synthesize MgFe2O4 nanopowders at 600∘C from water in cyclohexane reverse micelle using Igepal CO 520 surfactant having higher saturation magnetization value of 37 emu/g. ▶ Though the saturation magnetization of MgFe2O4 prepared by milling process and solvothermal process are 39.3 emu/g and 41.7 emu/g, the formation temperature (1400 ∘C (48 h), milling process) and particle size (300–800 nm, solvothermal process) is higher than our study.In this study we were able to synthesize MgFe2O4 nanopowders at 600∘C from water in cyclohexane reverse micelle using Igepal CO 520 surfactant having higher saturation magnetization value of 37 emu/g. Though the saturation magnetization of MgFe2O4 prepared by milling process and solvothermal process are 39.3 emu/g and 41.7 emu/g, the formation temperature (1400 ∘C (48 h), milling process) and particle size (300–800 nm, solvothermal process) is higher than our study