Structural and magnetic characterization of co-precipitated Ni_XZn_1-XFe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract

A series of Ni_XZn_1-XFe₂O₄ (x=0.5, 0.6 and 0.7) ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized using a co-precipitation technique, in order to understand the doping effect of nickel on their structural and magnetic properties. XRD and FTIR studies reveal the formation of spinel phase of ferrite samples. Substitution of nickel has promoted the growth of crystallite size (D), resulting the decrease of lattice strain (η). It was also observed that the lattice parameter (a) increases with the increase of Ni²⁺ ion concentration. All particles exhibit superparamagnetism at room temperature. The hyperfine interaction increases with the increase of nickel substitution, which can be assumed to the decrease of core–shell interactions present in the nanoparticles. The Mössbauer studies witness the existence of Fe³⁺ ions and absence of Fe²⁺ ions in the present systems. These superparamagnetic nanoparticles are supposed to be potential candidates for biomedical applications. The results are interpreted in terms of microstructure, cation redistribution and possible core–shell interactions.