Aluminium-Doped Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Combustion Method for Polymer Composite Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 272 282
    By

    A. Roniboss,

  • P. Vani,

  • S. Sumathi,

  • K. Umavathy,

  • Partha Sarathi Subudhi,

  • R. Revathi,

  • M. Sundararajan,

  • Chandra Sekhar Dash,

  • S. Yuvaraj,

  • G. Suresh,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Vel Nagar, Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Vel Nagar, Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Immaculate College for Women, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Bajaj Institute of Technology, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Assistant Professor, PG & Research Department of Physics, Paavendhar College of Arts & Science, M.V. South, Thalaivasal, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
  9. Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Vel Nagar, Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  10. Professor, Department of Mathematics, Vel Tech High Tech Dr.Rangarajan Dr.Sakunthala Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

ZnFe₂₋xAlₓO₄ (x = 0 and 0.5) nanoparticles were synthesized via a combustion method owing to its simplicity, cost efficiency, and ability to produce highly crystalline nanomaterials. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel structure without detectable secondary phases, indicating high phase purity. The average crystallite size was estimated to be in the range of 14–20 nm, confirming the nanocrystalline nature of the samples. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed nearly spherical and uniformly distributed particles, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition and successful incorporation of Al³⁺ ions into the ZnFe₂O₄ lattice. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra exhibited characteristic metal–oxygen stretching vibrations associated with tetrahedral and octahedral sites, further validating the formation of spinel ferrite structures.

Optical absorption studies demonstrated a slight reduction in the optical band gap from 1.81 eV to 1.75 eV with Al substitution, which can be attributed to modified electronic transitions within the lattice. Furthermore, a systematic annealing study was conducted on co-precipitated Al-doped zinc ferrite nanoparticles to examine the influence of thermal treatment on structural stability and functional properties. Magnetic measurements performed using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) indicated soft ferromagnetic behavior with low coercivity, highlighting their suitability for low-power magnetic applications. The coexistence of semiconducting optical characteristics and soft ferromagnetism underscores the multifunctional nature of the ZnFe₂₋ₓAlₓO₄ nanoparticles. These results demonstrate their potential application as effective nanofillers in polymer-based multifunctional composites for magnetic storage, optoelectronic, and spintronic devices

Keywords: ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles; Trivalent dopant; Combustion synthesis; Optical Band gap; polymer composites

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
A. Roniboss, P. Vani, S. Sumathi, K. Umavathy, Partha Sarathi Subudhi, R. Revathi, M. Sundararajan, Chandra Sekhar Dash, S. Yuvaraj, G. Suresh. Aluminium-Doped Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Combustion Method for Polymer Composite Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):272-282.
How to cite this URL:
A. Roniboss, P. Vani, S. Sumathi, K. Umavathy, Partha Sarathi Subudhi, R. Revathi, M. Sundararajan, Chandra Sekhar Dash, S. Yuvaraj, G. Suresh. Aluminium-Doped Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Combustion Method for Polymer Composite Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):272-282. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=235229


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 20/08/2025
Accepted 12/11/2025
Published 23/12/2025
Publication Time 125 Days
48

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