Effect of cation disorder on basic parameters of ZnFe2O4 nano-particles synthesized by honey mediated solution combustion technique

Abstract

Nanotechnology contracts by the invention and practice of material using nanoscale dimension. Nanoscale measurement delivers nano-particles a bulky surface area (S) to volume ratio, hence very specific properties. Bulk zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) exhibits anti-ferromagnetism, with Néel temperature of 10K, is paramagnetic at room temperature. It displays normal spinel structure with Zn²⁺ has exclusive tetrahedral - A site preference, whereas Fe³⁺ ions occupy the octahedral - B site. Cationic disorder induced fractional overturn of the spinel structure, owing to partial immigration of Fe³⁺ ions from B to A site can prompt ferrimagnetism in nano zinc ferrite. Due to the large ratio of toxic chemicals and extreme environment employed in the chemical and physical production of these ferrites, green methods employing the use of bacteria, plants fungus have been adopted.  Present work reports comprehensive study of the synthesis, structural and magnetic investigation of room temperature ferrimagnetism in ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, prepared by sol gel auto-combustion mode and green synthesis method. Effect of conventional thermal annealing (ann. at 600^oC for 3 hours) on magnetic properties is also reported. The structural and magnetic characteristics of as prepared and annealed ZnFe₂O₄ samples were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD confirms the formation of single-phase nano-crystalline cubic spinel structure of the samples.