Microstructure and gas-sensing properties of nanocrystalline NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> prepared by spray pyrolysis

Nanocrystalline nickel ferrite with a crystallite size from 3 to 40 nm has been prepared by spray pyrolysis. The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectrum of NiFe₂O₄ samples has been found to vary systematically with crystallite size. The sensing response of the nanocrystalline nickel ferrite to 50 ppm NH₃ has been studied using in situ conductance measurements. NiFe₂O₄ offers a strong sensing response to ammonia at the level of its maximum concentration limit. The optimum nickel ferrite crystallite size and temperature for ammonia detection are determined.     

An alternative method to modify the sensitivity of p-type NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> gas sensor

Our objective was to determine the role of cooling rate on gas-sensing properties of annealed nano-grained nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄). The sol–gel auto combustion method was used for the preparation of NiFe₂O₄. To estimate structural and microstructural features, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used. For gas-sensing measurements different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were used as testing gases. To identify the contribution of the different sensing layer elements to the conduction, ac impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements were performed. It was found that the sensors cooled with lower rate exhibited better sensing performance, due to increase of resistance. Overall, this article covers an alternative method for modifying nickel ferrite gas sensor sensitivity.     

Mechanochemically activated synthesis of nanostructured NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Powdery NiFe₂O₄ has been obtained by mechanothermal treatment. Nickel and iron hydroxides are used as initial compounds. For comparison the initial compounds are calcinated without mechanical treatment (samples obtained by direct heating). The characterization of the samples is carried out by XRD analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is established that single phase NiFe₂O₄ is formed after mechanical activation (5 h) and calcination at 773 K. The ferrite synthesized at this temperature contains a smaller quantity of Fe³⁺ ions in tetrahedral position (31%) than is the case of conventional nickel ferrite (50%). The number of tetrahedrally coordinated iron ions increases with enhancement of the synthesis temperature, approaching the distribution of the tetrahedral and octahedral positions typical of conventional NiFe₂O₄. The samples obtained by direct heating contain unreacted NiO and α-Fe₂O₃ even after calcinations at 1073 K.     

Paederia foetida Linn. promoted synthesis of CoFe2 O4 and NiFe2 O4 nanostructures and their photocatalytic efficiency

A facile method of synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂ O₄) and nickel ferrite (NiFe₂ O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) was developed using urea as a hydroxylating agent and Paederia foetida Linn. (family: Rubiaceae) leaf extract as a bio‐template. The synthesised ferrite NPs were characterised in a detailed manner by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. The XRD patterns revealed the formation of cubic face‐centred phase for both CoFe₂ O₄ and NiFe₂ O₄ NPs. These quasi‐spherical particles of CoFe₂ O₄ and NiFe₂ O₄ were shown to have sizes in the range of 10–80 and 5–50 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of metal ferrites was evaluated in H₂ O₂ assisted oxidative degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) under irradiation of solar light. Both metal ferrite photocatalysts exhibited pronounced activity in degradation of MB and RhB, respectively, but relatively higher activity was observed for NiFe₂ O₄. After completion, the catalysts were recovered using an external magnet. Recycling of these recovered catalysts up to five times showed no noticeable change in the efficiency.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, nanofabrication, photochemistry, catalysts, cobalt compounds, nickel compounds, ferrites, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, crystal structure, dyesOther keywords: Paederia foetida Linn, nanostructures, photocatalytic efficiency, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, nickel ferrite nanoparticles, hydroxylating agent, leaf extract, bio‐template, powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer analysis, cubic face‐centred phase, quasi‐spherical particles, photocatalytic activity, methylene blue, rhodamine B, size 5 nm to 80 nm, CoFe₂ O₄ , NiFe₂ O₄      

Optimized Sol–Gel Chemical Route Using Vacuum Suction for Fabrication of Densely Packed NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanowires

Highly ordered nanowire arrays of NiFe₂O₄ spinel with a high aspect ratio were fabricated by sol–gel method associated with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The preparation of nanowires was carried out by sol–gel method using nickel nitrate, ferric nitrate and citric acid. The molar proportion of nickel nitrate to ferric nitrate and citric acid was 1:2:3. The suction with 0.1 mbar vacuum was used to draw the gel into the AAO nanochannels. The results showed that the lowest annealing temperature is around 600?°C to obtain the single-phase nanostructured NiFe₂O₄. The NiFe₂O₄ nanowires were also uniform and parallel. TEM pictures determined the diameter size of the nanowires of about 100 nm. The magnetic results also showed that the wires have an easy axis of magnetization along their length and they are fully saturated in a field of 7 kOe. It seems that this material could be a good candidate for high perpendicular magnetic storage devices.     

Correlation between the physical properties and the novel applications of Mg<Subscript>0.7</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nano-ferrites

Nano-ferrite of the general formula Mg_0.7Cu_0.3Fe₂O₄ was prepared by citrate-gel auto combustion method. The structure was studied by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The crystallite size of the investigated nano ferrite was ?39 nm. The magnetic hysteresis measurements at different temperatures (100, 170, 240, and 300 K) were performed using a vibrating sample magnetometer. A correlation between magnetic behavior and lattice strain has been established. Arrott plot has been employed to understand the magnetic behavior of nano-crystalline Mg_0.7Cu_0.3Fe₂O₄. The magnetic susceptibility was carried out using Faraday’s method. Magnetic constants such as Curie temperature, effective magnetic moment, saturation magnetization, and coercivity were obtained and reported. Based on UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy studies, the optical band gaps are in the range from (1.3–1.9 eV), hence the investigated samples could act as visible light driven photo catalysts.     

Effects of Nd concentration on structural and magnetic properties of ZnFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles

Zinc ferrite nanomaterials have been received significant attention in recent years on account of their potential applications in the fields of electronics, optoelectronics and magnetics. To enhance the magnetic properties of zinc ferrites, Nd-doped zinc ferrites (ZnFe_2?xNd_xO₄, x?=?0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared by the sol–gel method. The effects of Nd doping concentration on the structural and magnetic properties of zinc ferrites were studied. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the Nd ions were incorporated into the crystal lattice of ZnFe₂O₄ and substituted for the Fe³⁺ sites. Unlike pure zinc ferrites with paramagnetism, Nd doped ZnFe₂O₄ NPs were superparamagnetic at room temperature. Vibrating sample magnetometry results showed, with the increase of Nd content, the saturation magnetization of Nd doped ZnFe₂O₄ NPs increased.     

Preparation and characterization of various morphologies of SrFe<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>19</Subscript> nano-structures: investigation of magnetization and coercivity

Hard magnetic SrFe₁₂O₁₉ (SrFe) nanostructures were synthesized by a facile chemical precipitation procedure. The influence of temperature, concentration and different capping agents on the particle size and morphology of the magnetic nanoparticles was investigated. The synthesized ferrites were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Ferromagnetic property of the hexaferrite nanostructures was determined by vibrating sample magnetometer. The results show hard magnetic ferrite with a high coercivity about 2800–4000 Oe and saturation magnetization around 11–14 emu/g were synthesized.     

Synthesis of carbon nanotube,graphene, CoFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>, and NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> polypyrrole nanocomposites and study their microwave absorption

In this experimental work, different conductive polymer nanocomposites were synthesized using polypyrrole as conductive polymer and CoFe₂O₄, NiFe₂O₄, CNT and graphene as fillers. X-ray diffraction pattern was used to study the crystallinity of the products and it was found CoFe₂O₄, NiFe₂O₄, CNT, and graphene were successfully embedded in the polymer matrix. To further approve the synthesis of the nanocomposites, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was served. Surface groups of the synthesized nanocomposites were studied by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The morphology of the products was examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found the fillers were successfully embedded in the polymer matrix and they were in nanometer scales. To investigate the magnetic properties and conductivity of the polymer nanocomposites, alternating gradient force magnetometer and four-point probe were used, respectively. Finally, the microwave absorption properties of the polymer nanocomposites were studied and it was found the fillers have different effects on the polymer microwave absorption value.     

Preparation of nickel ferrite nanoparticles via a new route and study of their photocatalytic properties

Pure nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) were prepared via sol-gel route in presence of different amino acids as a capping agent. The effect of different amino acids such as leucine, asparagine, and cysteine on the size, and morphology of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were investigated. The magnetic properties of the samples were investigated using VSM analyze. We found that the NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles synthesized at temperature of 800 °C exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 34 emu/g and a coercivity of 100 Oe. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of as synthesized NiFe₂O₄ were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange as water contaminant. XRD, SEM, EDS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy were employed to characterize structural, morphological, and optical properties of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles.     

Investigation of density of states and electrical properties of Ba<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> nanoceramics prepared by chemical route

Barium-cobalt-bismuth-niobate, Ba_0.5Co_0.5Bi₂Nb₂O₉ (BCoBN) nanocrystalline ferroelectric ceramic was prepared through chemical route. XRD analysis showed single phase layered perovskite structure of BCoBN when calcined at 650 °C, 2 h. The average crystallite size was found to be 18 nm. The microstructure was studied through scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties were investigated in the temperature range 50–500 °C. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss plot with respect to temperature both indicated strong relaxor behavior. Frequency versus complex impedance plot also supported the relaxor properties of the material. The impedance spectroscopy study showed only grain conductivity. Variation of ac conductivity study exhibited Arrhenius type of electrical conductivity where the hopping frequency shifted towards higher frequency region with increasing temperature. The ac conductivity values were used to evaluate the density of state at the Fermi level. The minimum hopping distance was found to be decreased with increasing temperature.     

Combustion synthesis and photoluminescence study of UV emitting LaBaB<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>16</Subscript> phosphors

The borate phosphor LaBaB₉O₁₆ doped with Ce³⁺ ion intentionally and successfully synthesized using solution combustion rout using metal nitrates as precursors and urea as fuel. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The XRD patterns of the phosphor confirmed the successful crystallization of LaBaB₉O₁₆. The average crystallite size calculated using the Debye Scherer equation. The PL excitation spectra of LaBaB₉O₁₆ exhibited broad spectra peaking at 275 nm. Upon excitation with ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 274 nm the phosphor exhibited a broad band UV emission peaking at a wavelength of 335 nm corresponding to the 4f⁰5d¹??4f¹ transition of the Ce³⁺ ion. Moreover the influence of concentration of Ce³⁺ ion on luminescence properties has also been studied. Optimum concentration of Ce³⁺ ions in the prepared phosphor was found to be 0.05 mol. For this concentration the critical distance R₀ was calculated to be 22.04 Å. Finally, the Stokes shift for the synthesized phosphor was calculated to be 6512 cm^??1 using corresponding excitation and emission.     

Structural,dielectric, ac conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties of polyaniline/Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> composites

A conducting polymer, polyaniline (PANI)/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites with high dielectric absorbing properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness at low frequencies were successfully synthesized through a simple in situ emulsion polymerization. PANI was doped with hydrochloric acid to improve its electrical properties and interactions with ferrite particles. PANI/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. Frequency dependence of dielectric and ac conductivity (σ_ac) studies have been undertaken on the PANI/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites in the frequency range 50 Hz–5 MHz. The electrical conduction mechanism in the PANI/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ is found to be in accordance with the electron hopping model. Further, frequency dependence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) is studied. The EMI shielding effectiveness is found to decrease with an increase in the frequency. The maximum value 55.14 dB of SE at 50 Hz was obtained at room temperature for PANI/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites in the 50 Hz–5 MHz frequency range. PANI/Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites were demonstrated as a promising functional material for the absorbing of electromagnetic waves at low frequencies because of a large amount of dipole polarizations in the polymer backbone and at the interfaces of the Ni–Zn ferrite particles and PANI matrix.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles and nanorods

NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and nanorods were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal treatment of Ni(DS)₂ (Nickel dodecyl sulfate), FeCl₃, and NaOH aqueous solution at 120 °C. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The magnetic properties were evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The probable mechanism of the formation of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and nanorods was discussed.     

Antimicrobial activity of composite nanoparticles consisting of titania photocatalytic shell and nickel ferrite magnetic core

Reverse micelle and hydrolysis have been combined to synthesize composite nanoparticles consisting of anatase–titania photocatalytic shell and nickel ferrite magnetic core. The average particle size of the composite nanoparticles was in the range of 10–15 nm. The photocatalytic shell of titania is responsible for the photocatalytic and anti-microbial activity and nickel ferrite magnetic core is responsible for the magnetic behavior, studied by superconducting quantum interference device. The anatase TiO2 coated NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles retains the magnetic characteristics of uncoated nanocrystalline nickel ferrites, superparamagnetism (absence of hysteresis, remanence and coercivity at 300 K) and non-saturation of magnetic moments at high field. The magnetic measurements results encourage their application as removable anti-microbial photocatalysts. Bacterial inactivation with UV light in the presence of titania-coated NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles is faster than the action with UV light alone.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of a novel UV-emitting phosphor Sr<Subscript>3</Subscript>P<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>13</Subscript>:Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

The ultraviolet (UV)-emitting Sr₃P₄O₁₃:Ce³⁺ phosphors were synthesized via the solid-state reaction method, and their structural, morphological and luminescence properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy. The obtained results indicate that these phosphors can be effectively excited by short-wavelength ultraviolet (<300 nm), and exhibit long-wavelength ultraviolet (300–380 nm) emission with nanosecond-level fluorescence lifetime corresponding to the parity-allowed 5d–4f transitions of Ce³⁺. The concentration-quenching phenomenon of Ce³⁺ in Sr₃P₄O₁₃ host was also studied, in which the critical energy transfer distance between Ce³⁺ ions and concentration quenching mechanism were determined.     

Preparation of nanostructured NiFe2O4 catalysts by combustion reaction

Nanosize nickel ferrite powders (NiFe₂O₄) have been prepared by combustion reaction using nitrates and urea as fuel. The resulting powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physical adsorption (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and catalytic activity. The results showed nanosize nickel ferrite powders with high specific surface area (55.21 m²/g). The powders showed extensive XRD line broadening and the crystallite size calculated from the XRD line broadening was 18.0 nm. The nickel ferrite powder presented significant activity as catalyst for the water gas shift reaction, over the temperature range of 250–450 °C.     

Popcorn like morphology and absence of room temperature ferromagnetism in Ni doped SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles

Ni-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the microwave oven assisted solvothermal method. The structural characterization was done by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy. The outcomes confirmed that Ni-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles have a pure rutile-type tetragonal phase of SnO₂ structures with a high degree of crystallization and a crystallite size of 10–14 nm. Popcorn like SEM morphology of the nickel doped sample is shown. Optical characterization was done by UV–Vis spectrometer, fluorescence spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Magnetic characterization was done by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The VSM measurements revealed that the Ni doped SnO₂ powder samples were diamagnetic at room temperature. This diamagnetic result is in contradiction to earlier published results.     

Visible-light activities of Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/BiVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite photocatalysts

Gd₂O₃/BiVO₄ composite photocatalysts were hydrothermal synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffusion reflectance spectra; all the composite photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities than the pure BiVO₄ for degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. The improved activity of composites was discussed and ascribed to the electron-scavenging effect of dopants.     

Synthesis and excellent microwave absorption property of polyaniline nanorods coated Li<Subscript>0.435</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.195</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2.37</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocomposites

In this work, Li_0.435Zn_0.195Fe_2.37O₄ (LZFO) was firstly prepared by the sol–gel process, and then core–shell polyaniline (PANI) nanorods/LZFO composites were successfully synthesized by interfacial polymerization. The structures and morphologies of samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. The average size of the pure ferrites was about 0.75 μm and the size distribution was 0.3–1.0 μm. The results indicated that the composites with different morphologies and structures resulted in different electromagnetic properties. The electromagnetic absorption test demonstrated that the PANI nanorods/LZFO possessed the best absorption property. The value of the minimum reflection loss was ?51.1 dB at 9.86 GHz, and the absorption bandwidth exceeding ?10 dB was 2.3 GHz (from 3.7 to 6 GHz) and 2 GHz (from 15.7 to 17.7 GHz). The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the nanocomposites were attributed to the improved impedance matching and the enhanced interfacial effects.