A simple model for the magnetocrystalline anisotropy in mixed ferrite nanoparticles

A simple model, based on the relative occupancy of tetrahedral and octahedral sites by different cations, is proposed for the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of mixed ferrite nanoparticles. According to this model, the total magnetocrystalline anisotropy is the weighted average of the contributions of the anisotropies of Fe3+ and M2+ ions in A and B sites. The model predictions are confirmed in the case of cobalt-zinc ferrite. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.