Characterization of manganese ferrite nanoparticles synthesized through pyrometallurgy

Abstract

This research focuses on the cheap synthesis of manganese ferrite nanoparticles. Sintering of a mixture of ferric oxide powder (Fe2O3) and low-grade manganese ore is achieved by a simple pyrometallurgical synthesis method at temperatures of 1000 °C, 1100 °C, and 1200 °C. In this process, controlling the particle size proved successful, which is essential to increasing the application of the material. Results have shown that at 1200 °C, the developed phase was a manganese ferrite with a high-intensity peak, which was well confirmed by the XRD diffractogram. As expected, an increase in temperature significantly increased particle size. Through thermal analysis, a minor gain in weight was found at 792 °C, which indicates the formation of phases. The FTIR spectra showed characteristic ferrite stretching vibrations at 1636 cm-1 and other peaks below 1000 cm-1. TEM analysis and microstructural examination confirmed the simultaneous nucleation and growth of nanoparticles with tiny surface pores, indicating optimal magnetic properties and a high melting point. The material showed low coercivity and rapid switching of magnetic states, which is useful for different applications.