Precursor route for the synthesis of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles from the thermolysis of magnesium hexapropionatoferrate(III)

Abstract

For the synthesis of magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4 nanoparticles), thermal decomposition of magnesium hexapropionatoferrate(III), Mg3[Fe(CH3CH2COO)6]2·8H2O, has been carried out in flowing air atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°Cmin−1. Various physico-chemical techniques such as simultaneous Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTG-DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) have been employed for characterization of the intermediates and final product. During thermolysis the precursor is first decomposed into magnesium oxalate (MgC2O4) and ferrous oxalate (FeC2O4) at 168°C. The mixture further gets decomposed to form α-Fe2O3 and magnesium oxide (MgO) up to 400°C. Above 400°C, α-Fe2O3 and magnesium oxide undergo decomposition to form magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4). Identities of these intermediates and product have been established after calcining the precursor isothermally in nickel crucible. The temperature of ferrite, MgFe2O4, formation by using this precursor method is lower as compared to conventional ceramic methods.