Magnetic and Thermodynamic Properties of Nanosized Zn Ferrite with Normal Spinal Structure Synthesized Using a Facile Method

Unraveling the Complex Interplay of Phase Transitions in Spinel Ferrites: A Comprehensive Quantum Mechanical Vibrational Study of ZnFe2O4

The rich phase transition landscape of spinel ferrites and its profound impact on their physical properties have garnered significant interest in recent years. The complex interplay of divalent and trivalent cations distributed across A- and B-sites gives rise to a captivating variety of interactions. In this study, we delve into the structural, electronic, magnetic, and vibrational properties of ZnFe2O4 as a function of the degree of inversion, employing first-principles density functional theory with global and range-separated hybrid functionals and a local basis set. The ground state of ZnFe2O4 is an open-shell system, characterized by Zn atoms occupying tetrahedral sites, Fe atoms residing in octahedral sites, and Fe atom spins exhibiting ligand parallel alignment. In the normal structure, the antiparallel arrangement is less stable than the ferro arrangement by 0.058 eV (673 K) for fully relaxed structures, decreasing to 0.034 eV (395 K) upon incorporating a zero-point vibrations contribution. For normal ferromagnetic ZnFe2O4, we calculated scattering for A1g, Eg, and 3T2g symmetry at 676.6, 367.1, and (189.7, 457.7, 602.3) cm-1, respectively. Additionally, four T1u vibrational frequencies predicted by group theory were obtained at 524.59, 358.48, 312.49, and 192.9 cm-1, demonstrating excellent agreement with the experimental studies. We also explored the influence of spin rearrangement and inversion (X = 0.5 and 1) on Raman and infrared spectra. By analyzing the infrared spectra of isotopic substitutions, we reevaluated the assignments of the four T1u modes in light of available experimental data. Notably, the sensitivity of peak positions and intensities for some Raman modes, particularly A1g and T2g(2), to spin arrangement could provide a convenient experimental tool for detecting phase transitions induced by changes in temperature or external electric fields. This investigation shines a light on the complex interplay of phase transitions in spinel ferrites, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their properties and potential applications.

Superparamagnetic and Perfect-Paramagnetic Zinc Ferrite Quantum Dots from Microwave-Assisted Tunable Synthesis

The properties of quantum dot (QD)-size material depend directly upon its unit cell structure. Spinel zinc ferrite QD powder is produced via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis for just 5 min. Varying initial pH values of the preparation sol from 6 to 12 enlarges the Zn/Fe atomic ratio (by ca. 10%), unit cell volume (by ca. 0.5%), particle size (3.5-4.5 nm), and degree of inversion. This leads to a change in the magnetic behavior of the QD-size zinc ferrite from a superparamagnetic to a perfect-paramagnetic type. This novel finding points that the significant changes in the inherent structural parameters of spinel ZnFe₂O₄ QDs (Zn/Fe ratio and degree of inversion) induced by the systematic pH change of the preparation sol are exclusively responsible for the observed unique magnetic behavior instead of mere QD (single domain) nanosizes.

Controlling Cation Distribution and Morphology in Colloidal Zinc Ferrite Nanocrystals

This paper describes the first synthetic method to achieve independent control over both the cation distribution (quantified by the inversion parameter x) and size of colloidal ZnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals. Use of a heterobimetallic triangular complex of formula ZnFe₂(μ₃-O)(μ₂-O₂CCF₃)₆(H₂O)₃ as a single-source precursor, solvothermal reaction conditions, absence of hydroxyl groups from the reaction solvent, and the presence of oleylamine are required to achieve well-defined, crystalline, and monodisperse ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The size of the ZnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals increases as the ratio of oleic acid and oleylamine ligands to precursor increases. The inversion parameter increases with increasing solubility of the precursor in the reaction solvent, with the presence of oleic acid in the reaction mixture, and with decreasing reaction temperature. These results are consistent with a mechanism in which ligand exchange between oleic acid and carboxylate ligands bound to the precursor complex influences the degree to which the reaction produces a kinetically trapped or thermodynamically stable cation distribution. Importantly, these results indicate that preservation of the triangular Zn-O-Fe₂ core structure of the precursor in the reactive monomer species is crucial to the production of a phase-pure ZnFe₂O₄ product and to the ability to tune the cation distribution. Overall, these results demonstrate the advantages of using a single-source precursor and solvothermal reaction conditions to achieve synthetic control over the structure of ternary spinel ferrite nanocrystals.

Unveiling the Hidden Entropy in ZnFe2O4

The antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition of the normal ZnFe₂O₄ has been intensively investigated with results showing a lack of long-range order, spin frustrations, and a “hidden” entropy in the calorimetric properties for inversion degrees δ ≈ 0 or δ = 0. As δ drastically impacts the magnetic properties, it is logical to question how a δ value slightly different from zero can affect the magnetic properties. In this work, (Zn_1-δFe_δ)[Zn_δFe_2-δ]O₄ with δ = 0.05 and δ = 0.27 have been investigated with calorimetry at different applied fields. It is shown that a δ value as small as 0.05 may affect 40% of the unit cells, which become locally ferrimagnetic (FiM) and coexists with AFM and spin disordered regions. The spin disorder disappears under an applied field of 1 T. Mossbauer spectroscopy confirms the presence of a volume fraction with a low hyperfine field that can be ascribed to these spin disordered regions. The volume fractions of the three magnetic phases estimated from entropy and hyperfine measurements are roughly coincident and correspond to approximately 1/3 for each of them. The “hidden” entropy is the zero point entropy different from 0. Consequently, the so-called “hidden” entropy can be ascribed to the frustrations of the spins at the interphase between the AFM-FiM phases due to having δ ≈ 0 instead of ideal δ = 0.

Synergetic adsorption and photo-Fenton degradation of methylene blue by ZnFe2O4/SiO2 magnetic double-mesoporous-shelled hollow spheres

Adsorption and Fenton technologies have been widely employed to deal with wastewater. ZnFe₂O₄/SiO₂ magnetic double-mesoporous-shelled hollow spheres (MDSHSs) were feasibly synthesized by a solvothermal method. The as-synthesized MDSHSs show excellent adsorption and selectivity for methylene blue (MB), which it took about only 1 min to reach the adsorption equilibrium. About 50% MB was removed by adsorption, and other 50% MB was degraded under further photo-Fenton process. Effects of experimental conditions on the adsorption and photo-Fenton process were investigated. The mechanisms of MDSHSs formation and photo-Fenton process were proposed. Total organic carbon (TOC) reduction reached as high as 90% with 60 mg/L of MB for 90 min. The experimental results indicated that MDSHSs exhibit a remarkable adsorption and catalytic activity for photo-Fenton process in a wide pH range of 3.3-11.0. Simultaneously, the composite shows an excellent stability and reusability.

Magnetic nanoparticles applied in targeted therapy and magnetic resonance imaging: crucial preparation parameters, indispensable pre-treatments, updated research advancements and future perspectives

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted much attention in cancer treatment as carriers for drug delivery and imaging contrast agents due to their distinctive performances based on their magnetic properties and nanoscale structure. In this review, we aim to comprehensively dissect how the applications of MNPs in targeted therapy and magnetic resonance imaging are achieved and their specificities by focusing on the following aspects: (1) several important preparation parameters (pH, temperature, ratio of the reactive substances, etc.) that have crucial effects on the properties of MNPs, (2) indispensable treatments to improve the biocompatibility, stability, and targeting ability of MNPs and prolong their circulation time for biomedical applications, (3) the mechanism for MNPs to deliver and release medicine to the desired sites and be applied in magnetic hyperthermia as well as related updated research advancements, (4) comparatively promising research directions of MNPs in magnetic resonance imaging, and (5) perspectives in the further optimization of their preparations, pre-treatments and applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Fabrication of cobalt gallium oxide with zinc iron oxide on nickel foam for a high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor

A straightforward method is proposed for the synthesis of CoGa₂O₄ on nickel foam with excellent durability for practical applications in asymmetric supercapacitors.

Impact of Nonlinear Thermal Radiation and Entropy Optimization Coatings with Hybrid Nanoliquid Flow Past a Curved Stretched Surface

The present investigation addresses the flow of hybrid (nickel–zinc ferrite and ethylene glycol) nanoliquid with entropy optimization and nonlinear thermal radiation coatings past a curved stretching surface. Analysis was carried out in the presence of magnetohydrodynamic, heat generation/absorption, and convective heat and mass flux conditions. Solution of the modeled problem was attained numerically using MATLAB built-in function bvp4c. Impacts of prominent parameters on betrothed distributions were depicted through graphs and were well supported by requisite discussions. Numerically calculated values of Sherwood number were established in a tabulated form and were scrutinized critically. An excellent concurrence was achieved when results of the presented model were compared with previously published result; hence, dependable results are being presented. It was observed that concentration field diminished with increasing values of curvature parameter, though the opposite trend was noticed for velocity and temperature distributions. Further, it was detected that Nusselt number decreased with augmented values of radiation and curvature parameters.

Coordination polymer-derived nano-sized zinc ferrite with excellent performance in nitro-explosive detection

Herein, a mixed metal coordination polymer, {(H₂pip)[Zn_1/3Fe_2/3(pydc-2,5)₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O} 1 {where H₂pip = piperazinediium and pydc-2,5 = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate}, was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal technique. To confirm the structure and phase purity of 1, single crystals of an isomorphous pure Fe compound, {(H₂pip)[Fe(pydc-2,5)₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O} 1a, were synthesized based on similar synthetic conditions. Single crystal X-ray data of 1a confirmed the one-dimensional anionic metal-organic coordination polymer hydrogen bonded with protonated piprazine (piperazinediium) and lattice water molecules. The phase purity of 1 and 1a were confirmed via powder X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 was systematically characterized using IR, TGA, SEM, and EDX elemental mapping analysis. Compound 1 was used as a single source precursor for the preparation of nano-sized ZnFe₂O₄via thermal decomposition. The as-obtained ZnFe₂O₄ was fully characterized using PXRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX elemental mapping analysis. It was found that ZnFe₂O₄ was formed in its pure form with particle size in the nano-dimension. The aqueous dispersion of nano-sized ZnFe₂O₄ exhibits a strong emission at 402 nm upon excitation at 310 nm. This emissive property was employed for luminescence-based detection of nitroaromatic explosives in an aqueous medium through luminescence quenching for the first time. Importantly, selective detections have been observed for phenolic nitroaromatics based on differential luminescence quenching behaviour along with a detection limit of 57 ppb for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in water.

Enhancing low-field magnetoresistance in magnetite nanoparticles via zinc substitution

Zn-doping facilitates the alignment of magnetization direction of sub-10 nm Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and enhances room temperature low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR).

Mechanochemical growth of a porous ZnFe2O4 nano-flake thin film as an electrode for supercapacitor application

ZnFe₂O₄ nano-flake thin films prepared using a mechanochemical approach for supercapacitor applications showing excellent specific capacitance, stability, energy and power density.

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and a clay encapsulated ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite: synthesis strategy, structural characteristics and the adsorption of dye pollutants in water

Zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by a one-pot microwave assisted combustion in the solid state and encapsulated in an organoclay to obtain a zinc ferrite/organoclay nanocomposite for the adsorption of organic dye pollutants from aqueous solutions.