X-Ray diffraction and mössbauer spectra of nickel ferrite prepared by combustion reaction

• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-006-0383-2
• Publication Date: 2007-02-02T12:59:26Z
• Authors: M. A. F. Ramalho; L. Gama; S. G. Antonio; C. O. Paiva-Santos; E. J. Miola; R. H. G. A. Kiminami; A. C. F. M. Costa
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 01 natural sciences

Nickel ferrite powders with a nominal NiFe2O4 composition were synthesized by combustion reaction using urea as fuel. The powder was obtained using a vitreous silica basin heated directly on a hot plate at 480 °C until self-ignition occurred. After combustion, the powder was calcined at 700 °C for 2 h. The formation of the spinel phase and the distribution of cations in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the crystal structure were investigated by the Rietveld method, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction data and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The material presented a crystallite size of 120 nm and magnetic properties. The resulting stoichiometry after the Rietveld refinement was (Fe0.989(2) Ni0.011(2)) [Fe1.012(2) Ni0.989(2)] O4.