Particle size distribution, magnetic permeability and dc conductivity of nano-structured and bulk LiNiZn–ferrite samples

Nanoparticles of Li0.1(Ni1−xZnx)0.8Fe2.1O4 (x=0–1.0) were prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method. A part of the precipitated powders was sintered at 1473 K for 2 h to obtain bulk samples via increasing the particle sizes. The particle size distribution, dc conductivity and magnetic permeability were investigated for the nano-structured samples and their bulk counterparts. The permeability as a function of temperature revealed the size effect of nano-structure in agreement with the literature. In some of the samples the permeability was almost constant over a considerable range of temperature, which may be useful in practical applications that require stability. Moreover, the nano-size structure caused a significant decrease in dc conductivity values.