Characterization and magnetic properties of polyethylene glycol modified NiZn ferrite thin films

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2.0O4.0 ferrite thin films were deposited on Si (100) substrate by a sol–gel method. The crystal structure, surface morphology and magnetic properties of PEG-modified NiZn ferrite thin films (NZFs) were investigated by using the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The FTIR spectrums showed that PEG molecules were on the surface of as-prepared particles, which effectively improved their dispersibility. The crystallization of NZFs improved and crystallite size increased with increasing PEG concentration. Optimal PEG concentration could improve the surface morphology and reduce the roughness. Magnetic properties measurement indicated that compared with the sample without PEG, PEG-modified NZFs showed excellent magnetic properties with higher saturation magnetization and lower coercive force. Finally, PEG-modified NZFs showed a high saturation magnetization 312 emu/cm3 and low coercive force 90 Oe when PEG concentration was 40 g/L.