Investigation of Structural, Morphological and Magnetic Properties of MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn) Obtained by Thermal Decomposition

Abstract

The structural, morphological and magnetic properties of MFe₂O₄ (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn) type ferrites produced by thermal decomposition at 700 and 1000 °C were studied. The thermal analysis revealed that the ferrites are formed at up to 350 °C. After heat treatment at 1000 °C, single-phase ferrite nanoparticles were attained, while after heat treatment at 700 °C, the CoFe₂O₄ was accompanied by Co₃O₄ and the MnFe₂O₄ by α-Fe₂O₃. The particle size of the spherical shape in the nanoscale region was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area below 0.5 m²/g suggested a non-porous structure with particle agglomeration that limits nitrogen absorption. By heat treatment at 1000 °C, superparamagnetic CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and paramagnetic NiFe₂O₄, MnFe₂O₄, CuFe₂O₄ and ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were obtained.