Green synthesis and characterization of Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nano ferrite

Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nano-powders were prepared by solution combustion method by using metal nitrates, citric acid, green fuel (plant extracts). The structural, magnetic characteristics of as prepared, annealed Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 samples were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD confirms the formation of single phase nano-crystalline (grain size: 12.7−32.7 nm) cubic spinel structure of annealed samples. Studied mixed ferrite shows relocation of Ni2+, Zn2+, Fe3+ ions between A, B site. Coercivity of annealed samples ranges between 29.7 to 124.9 Oe. Obtained saturation magnetization of annealed samples (34.56−54.96 Am2/kg) is a combined effect of weakening of A-B, A-A, and strengthening of B-B interaction, and surface dead layer (0.80−1.25 nm) on particles, arising due to spin disorder at surface.