Investigation of Structural, Morphological and Magnetic Properties of MFe(2)O(4) (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn) Obtained by Thermal Decomposition

The structural, morphological and magnetic properties of MFe(2)O(4) (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn) type ferrites produced by thermal decomposition at 700 and 1000 °C were studied. The thermal analysis revealed that the ferrites are formed at up to 350 °C. After heat treatment at 1000 °C, single-phase ferrite nanoparticles were attained, while after heat treatment at 700 °C, the CoFe(2)O(4) was accompanied by Co(3)O(4) and the MnFe(2)O(4) by α-Fe(2)O(3). The particle size of the spherical shape in the nanoscale region was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area below 0.5 m(2)/g suggested a non–porous structure with particle agglomeration that limits nitrogen absorption. By heat treatment at 1000 °C, superparamagnetic CoFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles and paramagnetic NiFe(2)O(4), MnFe(2)O(4), CuFe(2)O(4) and ZnFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles were obtained.