Influence of pH on nanosized Mn–Zn ferrite synthesized by sol–gel auto combustion process

Sol–gel auto combustion process was employed to synthesize nanosized Mn–Zn ferrite at different pH values (<1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10). Although self propagating combustion behavior of gel was noted at pH 5 but more effective combustion was observed at pH 6. The smoldering effect was observed in gel prepared at pH 7, 8 and 10, whereas pH < 1 showed localized burning. Thermogravimetric (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were done to investigate the effect of pH on the combustion behavior, particle size and the formation of desired magnetic (spinel) phase. From TG curves of burnt powders, activation energy of ignition reaction at each pH value was calculated. The results showed that fuel to oxidant ratio and the amount of gel residuals decided the value of activation energy required to further purify the burnt powders. Calcination parameters (time and temperature in air) of powders P1 and P6 synthesized at pH < 1 and pH 6 were also determined. B–H loop results showed that calcined powder C6 was more ferromagnetic than C1 due to fully developed spinel phase and larger particle size.