Structural and magnetic properties of NiCuZn ferrite/SiO2 nanocomposites

Ni_0.53Cu_0.12Zn_0.35Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanocomposites with different weight percentages of NiCuZn ferrite dispersed in silica matrix were prepared by microwave-hydrothermal method using tetraethylorthosilicate as a precursor of silica, and metal nitrates as precursors of NiCuZn ferrite. The structure and morphology of the composites were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The structural changes in these samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer in the range of 400-1500 cm⁻¹. The bands in the range of 580-880 cm⁻¹ show a slight increase in intensity, which could be ascribed to the enhanced interactions between the NiCuZnFe₂O₄ clusters and silica matrix. The effects of silica content and sintering temperature on the magnetic properties of Ni_0.53Cu_0.12Zn_0.35Fe₂O₄/SiO₂ nanocomposites have been studied using electron spin resonance and vibrating sample magnetometer.