Probing the Transition from Nano- to Bulk-Like Behaviour in ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles

Abstract

The evolution of the magnetism as a function of the particle size is reported here for the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. A combination of neutron powder diffraction down to 1.5 K and magnetization measurements suggest that nanoparticles of sizes greater than about 100 nm exhibit bulk like behavior. The size dependence on magnetism can be explained by the rearrangement of the cations on the interstitial sites of the spinel cell. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.