Abstract
Nano structured indium substituted NiCuZn ferrites with chemical composition Ni0.5Cu0.25Zn0.25Fe2−xInxO4 (0.0≤x≤0.4) were prepared using citrate-gel method. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of single phased cubic spinel structure with a crystallite size ranging from 25 to 34nm. The morphology of the prepared samples was studied using transmission electron microscopy and the thermal growth of the samples was analyzed by thermo gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Magnetic properties such as the Curie temperature and the temperature dependence magnetization studies of the samples were carried out using vibrating sample magnetometer. From the temperature dependence of both the field cooled and Zero field cooled magnetization measurements in the temperature range 50–350K under an applied field of 500Oe, the blocking temperature (Tb) was estimated to be 325K. Above Tb the material shows superparamagnetic behavior which makes the material desirable for biomedical applications.
•Crystallite size of Ni0.5Cu0.25Zn0.25Fe2−xInxO4 ranges from 25 to 34nm.•Tc of the ferrites has decreased from 698K to 653K with increase in In content.•Ferrites with x=0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 show superparamagnetic nature with Tc of 325K.•Hence the materials are desirable for biomedical applications and show excellent application in hyperthermia cancer therapy.