Fabrication, characterization, and magnetic behavior of porous ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres

Abstract

Porous ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres with a diameter of about 100–210 nm were successfully prepared by simple template-free hydrothermal route in ethylene glycol (EG) solution. The formation mechanism and properties have been also demonstrated. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres were investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and physical properties measurements system. The surface area was determined using the BET method. XRD and IR analyses confirm the cubic spinel phase of ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres. Every magnetic microsphere is made up of many ultrafine ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with porous structure. The as-prepared porous magnetic hollow spheres have higher surface area and excellent magnetic properties at room temperature.