Synthesis and characterization of ZnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles via a PEG-assisted route

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared through a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-assisted route. XRD, FTIR, TEM and VSM were used for the structural, morphological and magnetic investigation of the product. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed spherical Zn-ferrite particles with a narrow size distribution. Average particle size was obtained as 12 +/- 3 nm from TEM, which agrees well with the XRD-based size estimate of 14 nm. 'S'-shaped hysteresis loops and non-zero magnetic moments were observed indicating super-paramagnetism of the nanoparticles. Peaks observed on the temperature dependent-magnetization curves at 23 and 16 K indicates magnetostatic interactions between the particles and inclusion of antiferromagnetic phase.