Preparation and Characterization of Nickel and Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion Method

Ferrites with spinel structure are the most widespread materials in radio engineering, electronics and communication industry, microwave devices and computer facilities. The change of synthesis temperature of ferrites results in cation redistribution of iron, which updates crystal properties, as macroscopic magnetic properties of ferrites. Among this extensive class of compounds nickel and copper ferrite has been investigated because of its interesting crystallographic and electrical properties. Studies on NiO4 showed that, the Ni 2+ ion has a stronger octahedral site preference than Fe in the inverse spinel Fe [Ni, Fe]O4. Several studies on CuFe2O4 showed a cubic structure. The cation distribution of CuFe2O4 is determined by tendency of the Cu 2+ ions to occupy B-site, and leading to an inverse structure. Hence Ni and Cu ferrites were synthesized by the sol-gel auto-combustion method. KeywordsFerrites, Spinel structure, Cation distribution.