Magnetization and Magnetocaloric Effect in Sol-Gel Derived Nanocrystalline Copper-Zinc Ferrite.

We report the sol-gel synthesis and magnetocaloric effect in nanocrystalline copper-zinc ferrite (Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4). The synthesized powder was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and magnetization measurements. The XRD results confirm the formation of single phase spinel structure. The average particle size was found to be ~58 nm. FE-SEM results suggested that the nanoparticles are agglomerated and spherical in shape. Magnetization measurement reveals that Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles exhibit transition temperature (Tc) above room temperature. The maximum magnetic entropy change (ΔSM)max shows interesting behaviour and was found to vary with the applied magnetic field. This nanopowder can be considered as potential material for magnetic refrigeration above room temperature.