Microwave metathetic approach for the synthesis and characterization of ZnCr2O4

A novel way to synthesize technologically important ZnCr2O4 by microwave metathetic approach using simple precursors such as ZnCl2 and Na2Cr2O7 is described. A proof for the reaction proceeding via metathetic route has been clearly established by XRD diffraction studies. ZnCr2O4, belonging to the “spinel” class of materials, is characterized by multiple techniques to establish structure–property relationship. The band gap of ZnCr2O4 is determined to be 3.4 eV, and the ceramic oxide shows anti-ferromagnetic transition (TN) at −261.5 °C. The substitution of Fe into ZnCr2O4 (ZCR) results in Fe replacing Cr.