Finite size effect on Ni doped nanocrystalline NixZn1-xFe2O4 (0.1≤ x≤0.5)

Nanocrystalline nickel ferrite with different concentration of Ni and Zn (NixZn1-xFe2O4 where x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation method. The effect of doping ion concentration on physical properties like crystalline phase, crystallite size, particle size, and saturation magnetization are investigated. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the synthesis of single crystalline NixZn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles. The lattice parameter decreases with increase Ni content resulting in reduction of lattice strain. HRTEM images revealed that the as-prepared nanoparticles were crystalline with particle size distribution in 10-30 nm range. The saturation magnetization show the superparamagnetic nature of sample for x = 0.1 and x = 0.3 whereas for x = 0.5, the material is ferromagnetic. The saturation magnetization value is 23.95 emu/gm for Ni0.1Zn0.9Fe2O4 sample and it increases with increase in Ni content. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.