Structural, optical and magnetic properties of MgFe2O4 and Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles Nickel zinc ferrite (Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.5)) and magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) are synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion and annealed at 1150 degrees C and 1200 degrees C respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the presence of a single-phase cubic spinel structure. Lattice parameters crystallite size and density of ferrites are calculated from the XRD data. Surface morphology of the spinel ferrites is studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Optical properties such as bandgap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss are calculated using UV-Visible spectroscopy. Two absorption bands for each are identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) peaks, with the lower frequency (400Hz) corresponding to the metal-oxide bond vibrations at the octahedral site and the higher frequency (600Hz) corresponding to the metal-oxide bond vibrations at the tetrahedral sites of the spinel lattice. Magnetic properties are analysed using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer.