Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of MFe2O4 (M = Co, Mg, Mn, Ni) nanoparticles using ricin oil as capping agent

We focused on obtaining MFe2O4 nanoparticles using ricin oil solution as surfactant and on their structural characterization and magnetic properties. The annealed samples at 500 degrees C in air for 6 h were analyzed for the crystal phase identification by powder X-ray diffraction using CuK alpha radiation. The particle size, the chemical composition and the morphology of the calcinated powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. All sintered samples contain only one phase, which has a cubic structure with crystallite sizes of 12-21 nm. From the infrared spectra of all samples were observed two strong bands around 600 and 400 cm(-1), which correspond to the intrinsic lattice vibrations of octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the spinel structure, respectively, and characteristic vibration for capping agent. The magnetic properties of fine powders were investigated at room temperature by using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The room temperature M-H hysteresis loops show ferromagnetic behavior of the calcined samples, with specific saturation magnetization (M-s) values ranging between 11 and 53 emu/g. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.