A creative method to tune Fe–O interaction in ferrites

To be able to regulate anionic oxygen position in ferrites, an original compositing method is developed by introducing a porous p-type phase in the n-type matrix of ferrite spinel semiconductors. A result of this method is the synergetic effect of enhanced mass and charge transport, that impacted the morphology and anionic oxygen position within the MgFe₂O₄ structure. Our hypothesis is that fine tuning of the anionic oxygen position in ferrites allows us to regulate their physicochemical properties significantly, with implications for diverse applications. The electron exchange interaction between O centered and octahedral-occupying Fe centered orbitals affected both electrical and magnetic properties of the matrix significantly, supporting our hypothesis. The three-dimensional variable range electron hopping is one such effect.