Synthesis and characterization of Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nano-particles obtained by auto catalytic thermal decomposition of carboxylato-hydrazinate complex

Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nano-particles have been synthesized by self-propagating auto-combustion of nickel zinc ferrous fumarato-hydrazinate complex. The precursor complex has been characterized by chemical analysis, IR, AAS, thermal analysis and isothermal mass loss studies. The precursor on ignition undergoes self-propagating auto combustion to give Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4. The X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the single phase formation of nano-size 'as synthesized' Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4. TEM observation showed the average particle size to be 20 nm. Infrared and magnetization studies were also carried out on the 'as synthesized' Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4. The lower value of saturation magnetization and higher Curie temperature of 'as synthesized' ferrite also hint at the nano size nature.