Synthesis and Investigation of Mixed Zn-Ni Spinel Nanoparticles for Microwave Applications

Nickel ferrite solid solutions remain one of the main materials for a whole range of applications, including microwave equipment and components, the requirements for parameters and homogeneity of materials are constantly increasing. In this work, Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles with an average diameter of 12.5 nm were successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted urea method. The temperature of a single-phase product formation was 400 degree celsius, which is lower compared to more common precipitation from aqueous solution methods or solid-state route. Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 materials demonstrate high saturation magnetization and low coercive force. The magnetization changes with increasing Zn concentration and reaches the maximum at x = 0.5. Also, the increase in zinc content leads to an increase in the lattice parameters. The average size of ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by the microwave-assisted urea method is smaller compared to ferrites synthesized earlier by the co-precipitation method. Also, lower treatment temperatures provide higher stoichiometry, and homogeneity of materials while magnetization difference is negligible. These research results provide a general and effective route to synthesize other nanostructures for a variety of microwave components.