Synthesis and characterization of nanosized MgxMn1−xFe2O4 ferrites by both sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods

This work reports the synthesis of MgxMn1−xFe2O4 (x=0–1) nanoparticles by both sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods. In order to determine the effect of synthesis conditions on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of the ferrites, the synthesis was carried out varying some parameters, including composition. By both methods it was possible to obtain ferrites having a single crystalline phase with cubic inverse spinel structure and a behavior near to that of superparamagnetic materials. Saturation magnetization values were higher for materials synthesized by sol-gel. Furthermore, in both cases particles have a spherical-like morphology and nanometric sizes (11–15nm). Therefore, these materials can be used as thermoseeds for the treatment of cancer by magnetic hyperthermia. •Mg–Mn ferrites were synthesized by sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods.•Materials showed a single cubic inverse spinel crystalline structure.•Ferrites have a soft ferrimagnetic behavior close to superparamagnetic materials.