Structural and Magnetic Properties of Chemically Synthesized Pd-Modified NiFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles of NiFe₂O₄-Pd composites have been synthesized using a simple, low cost, sol-gel auto-combustion method. As-prepared samples were sintered at 800 ℃ for 6 h in order to develop the crystalline phase. X-ray diffraction confirmed the spinel structure of the ferrite samples. Structural morphology and size of the nanoparticles were evaluated using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Magnetic hysteresis loops were obtained at 300 and 100 K using a physical properties measurement system. The value of saturation magnetization was observed to decrease at the temperatures with the increase of Pd contents up to 5% but then a sudden rise in saturation magnetization was observed for the addition of 10% Pd in NiFe₂O₄.