Superparamagnetic behaviour of zinc ferrite obtained by the microwave assisted method

Abstract

Magnetic ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with magnetization saturation of 12.1 emu/g were synthesized through hydrothermal microwave method at 140 °C for 32 min. These compound is being tested in magnetic hyperthermia a promising therapeutic cancer treatment, which causes lysis of tumor cells by heating magnetic nanoparticles through an external magnetic field. X-ray diffraction reveals a single-phase ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with well-defined structure while Raman spectroscopy reveals that at 32 min of soaking time provides the energy crystallization, causing anisotropy in the structural growth at short range causing a certain degree of order in the crystal lattice. Morphology of the powders was investigated by transmission electronic microscopy (HRTEM) which showed particle sizes with 10–25 nm of diameter being an important factor for application in magneto-hyperthermia. Magnetic parameters analyzed by means of a vibrating-sample magnetometer unit showed that these nanoparticles have great potential in magneto-hyperthermia application.