Characterization of magnetic nano materials by Mössbauer spectroscopy

The use of a non-destructive nuclear-physical method, namely ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, is discussed for the investigation of magnetic and structural arrangement of Fe-based nano-crystalline nickel-zinc-indium ferrites (NZIFO). Nano NZIFO particles (Ni_0.58Zn_0.42In_xFe_2−xO₄) with varied quantities of indium (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) have been chemically synthesized through a reverse micelle reaction and investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and by magnetic and Mössbauer spectral studies. Here a comparison between low-temperature and room temperature Mössbauer spectra is presented. Well defined sextets at 5 K provide information about the structure and magnetic states of atoms located in different structural positions. The dependence of Mössbauer parameters, viz, isomer shift, quadrupole splitting, linewidth and hyperfine magnetic field on In³⁺ concentration have been discussed. Detailed Mössbauer results, as well as the interest of these materials both for applied science perspectives are presented. Mössbauer results are also supported by magnetization data. With these interesting ferromagnetic properties Indium substituted nano nickel-zinc ferrites have potential applications in magnetic storage data.