Multi‐Method Characterization of the High‐Entropy Spinel Oxide Mn _0.2 Co _0.2 Ni _0.2 Cu _0.2 Zn _0.2 Fe ₂ O ₄ : Entropy Evidence, Microstructure, and Magnetic Properties

The novel spinel Cu0.2Co0.2Mn0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2Fe2O4 comprising six transition metal cations was successfully prepared by a solution-combustion method followed distinct thermal treatments. entropic stabilization of this hexa-metallic material is demonstrated using in situ high temperature powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and directed removal some the constituting elements. Thorough evaluation PXRD data yields sizes coherently scattering domains nanometre-range. Transmission electron microscopy based methods support finding indicate homogeneous distribution elements samples. combination 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy with absorption near edge allowed determination cation occupancy on tetrahedral octahedral sites cubic structure. Magnetic studies show long-range magnetic exchange interactions which are ferri- or ferromagnetic nature an exceptionally saturation magnetization range 92–108 emu g−1 at low temperature, but also anomaly hysteresis sample calcined 500 °C.