Simple morphology-controlled fabrication of nickel chromite nanostructures via a novel route

Abstract

Pure nickel chromite (NiCr2O4) nanostructures were prepared via a new coprecipitation–calcination route by using [Ni(en)2(H2O)2](NO3)2 and [Cr(en)3]Cl3·3H2O as novel precursors. The as-prepared nickel chromite nanostructures were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results of this study demonstrate that particle size and morphology of the nickel chromite can be controlled by setting main preparation parameters such as the precipitator, the speed of the reaction stirrer, reaction time, surfactant, reaction temperature and calcination temperature. Nickel chromite nanostructures with different particle size and morphology were successfully synthesized. The magnetic properties of as-prepared nickel chromite nanostructures were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).