Synthesis and optimization of cubic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with enhanced saturation magnetization

Single phase NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared via the organic acid precursor method. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and magnetization techniques were utilized to determine optimal conditions to prepare NiFe2O4 with desired properties. Calcination for 2 h at 600 °C was optimal to produce the cubic particles. The best Fe/Ni molar ratio was determined to be 2:1.1. Oxalic acid was selected as the precursor acid. Under these conditions, cubic particles with average sizes of 46 nm were obtained. A saturation magnetization value of 61.8 amu/g and a coercivity of 221.5 Oe were observed for the particles at room temperature under optimized conditions.