Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystallite ZnCrFeO4

Nanocrystallites of spinel ZnCrFeO4 were synthesized through sol–gel method, and were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SQUID magnetometer and Mössbauer spectrometer. It is found that the nanocrystallites are spherical and show antiferromagnetism with a higher TN of 14 K for the sample with diameter of 14 nm and larger magnetic susceptibility than the bulk sample. These are associated with some A ions (Zn2+) and B ions (Fe3+, Cr3+) jumped to each other sites, which therefore enhances both the A–B interaction and B–B interaction. The Mössbauer spectrum of the nanomaterial is different from that of the bulk sample. Additional sextet appears in the Mössbauer spectrum of the nanomaterial except for a doublet. The appearance of the sextet suggests the magnetically ordered state between Fe3+ ions at A and B sites.