Finite size effect on Ni doped nanocrystalline Ni xZn 1 − x Fe 2O 4 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5)

Abstract

Nanocrystalline nickel ferrite with different concentration of Ni and Zn (Ni xZn 1 − x Fe 2O 4 where x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation method. The effect of doping ion concentration on physical properties like crystalline phase, crystallite size, particle size, and saturation magnetization are investigated. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the synthesis of single crystalline Ni xZn 1 − x Fe 2O 4 nanoparticles. The lattice parameter decreases with increase Ni content resulting in reduction of lattice strain. HRTEM images revealed that the as-prepared nanoparticles were crystalline with particle size distribution in 10–30 nm range. The saturation magnetization show the superparamagnetic nature of sample for x = 0.1 and x = 0.3 whereas for x = 0.5, the material is ferromagnetic. The saturation magnetization value is 23.95 emu/gm for Ni 0.1Zn 0.9Fe 2O 4 sample and it increases with increase in Ni content.