Synthesis, structure and morphology of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles, synthesized via “green” method

Abstract

In this paper, the synthesis of spinel magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles is reported, along with its structural, magnetic and hyperthermic properties, which ensure them being effectively used in various fields. Firstly, magnesium ferrite was synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion method, using honey as the reducing agent. The crystallite size was calculated via the Scherrer method, the modified Scherrer method, the Williamson-Hall method, and the size-strain plot (SSP) method. X-ray analysis was used to confirm the structure of the spinel. For morphological study of ferrite nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used. Finally, hyperthermic properties of magnesium ferrite were analyzed for potential usage in medicine. According to these results, spinel magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles proved to be suitable for destruction of cancer cells, as they can be heated to the desired temperature, which will increase the sensitivity of those cells.