Structural and magnetic properties of NiCuZn ferrite/SiO2 nanocomposites

Ni0.53Cu0.12Zn0.35Fe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites with different weight percentages of NiCuZn ferrite dispersed in silica matrix were prepared by microwave-hydrothermal method using tetraethylorthosilicate as a precursor of silica, and metal nitrates as precursors of NiCuZn ferrite. The structure and morphology of the composites were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The structural changes in these samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer in the range of 400-1500 cm(-1). The bands in the range of 580-880 cm(-1) show a slight increase in intensity, which could be ascribed to the enhanced interactions between the NiCuZnFe2O4 clusters and silica matrix. The effects of silica content and sintering temperature on the magnetic properties of Ni0.53Cu0.12Zn0.35Fe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites have been studied using electron spin resonance and vibrating sample magnetometer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.