Synthesis and characterization of ultrafine lithium ferrite from a citrate precursor

Ultrafine particles of lithium ferrite have been prepared at the unusually low temperatures of 240 and 455°C by a citrate precursor method. The materials obtained after annealing at temperatures between 455 and 700°C consist of ordered lithium ferrite as shown by the characteristics infrared absorptions, the X-ray diffraction superstructure reflections, and the 4.2 K Mössbauer spectra. The values of magnetization obtained are somewhat low, due to the presence of small quantities of an -Fe₂O₃ phase, which can also be observed in the X-ray diffraction and the Mössbauer spectra.