Magnetic and Mossbauer studies of Ca$_x$Zn$_{1-x}$Fe$_2$O$_4$ nanoferrites

TL;DR

This study synthesizes Ca$_x$Zn$_{1-x}$Fe$_2$O$_4$ nanoferrites via glycol-thermal method, analyzing their structural and magnetic properties, revealing phase changes and superparamagnetic behavior across compositions.

Contribution

First comprehensive synthesis and characterization of Ca$_x$Zn$_{1-x}$Fe$_2$O$_4$ nanoferrites using multiple techniques, highlighting phase evolution and magnetic properties.

Findings

Single phase cubic spinel for x=0

Mixed spinel and hematite phases for x=0.5

Hematite structure for CaFe$_2$O$_4$ (x=1)

Abstract

A one-step synthesis of Ca$_x$Zn$_{1-x}$Fe$_2$O$_4$ (x=0, 0.5 and 1) nanoferrites and nanocomposites by the glycol-thermal method is reported. The structural, morphological and magnetic properties were studied using XRD, HRTEM, HRSEM, Mossbauer spectroscopy and VSM. The XRD patterns show a single phase cubic spinel structure for x=0. A composite phase of a spinel and hematite-like structure was observed for x=0.5, and for x=1, CaFe$_2$O$_4$ has the same structure as hematite. The superparamagnetic nature of the samples was confirmed from the Mossbauer and magnetization results.