Synthesis of nanocrystalline spinel ferrite (MFe2O4, M = Zn and Mg) by solution combustion method: Influence of fuel to oxidizer ratio

Fuel to oxidizer ratio is a critical parameter that determines the properties of nanocrystalline ferrites prepared by solution combustion method. In this study, the influence of fuel to oxidizer ratio on the purity of phase and physical properties of Zinc and Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles prepared by solution combustion method using glycine as fuel is reported. PXRD and FTIR studies on the samples prepared under fuel lean and fuel rich conditions show that there is a gradual variation in the impurity phase as the F/O ratio is varied. Magnetic studies using VSM and Mössbauer spectroscopy show that a reducing environment is created during the combustion process, which influences the magnetic properties of the samples. Mössbauer studies also show that cation redistribution between the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the as prepared samples also is an important factor which determines the magnetic properties. •The influence of F/O on Zn and Mg ferrite formation is studied systematically.•PXRD indicate pure nanocrystalline ferrite formation when F/O is less than one.•The crystallite size and phase formation can be controlled by tuning F/O ratio.•Mössbauer and magnetic studies provide insights into the influence of impurities.