Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ultrafine Magnesium Ferrite Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticles of MgFe 2 O 4 with average crystallite size of ~ 8 nm have been synthesized employing non-aqueous combustion method. Structural properties of the nanoparticles are analyzed with the help of X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FT-IR). X-Ray Diffraction pattern and FT-IR spectra reveal the formation of spinel structure of MgFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. The SEM micrographs of the sample show the formation of clusters of spherical particles with pores revealing the history of synthesis as combustion process. The constituent elements and chemical composition are analyzed using EDX spectrum. Magnetic study done using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) reveals that the prepared nanoparticles remain unsaturated within the field of 15 kOe and have a very low coercivity of 20 Oe.