Synthesis of Metal and Ceramic Magnetic Nanoparticles by Levitational Gas Condensation (LGC)

Nickel (Ni) and ferrite ($Fe_3O_4$, $NiFe_2O_4$) nanoparticles were synthesized by LGC using both wire feeding (WF) and micron powder feeding (MPF) systems. Phase evolution and magnetic properties were then investigated. The Ni nanopowder included magnetic-ordered phases. The LGC synthesis yielded spherical particles with large coercivity while the abnormal initial magnetization curve for Ni indicated a non-collinear magnetic structure between the core and surface layer of the particles. Since the XRD pattern cannot actually distinguish between magnetite ($Fe_3O_4$) and maghemite (${\gamma}-Fe_2O_3$) as they have a spinel type structure, the phase of the iron oxide in the samples was unveiled by $M{\ddot{o}}ssbauer$ spectroscopy. The synthesized Ni-ferrite consisted of single domain particles, including an unusual ionic state. The synthesized nanopowder bore an active surface due to the defects that affected abnormal magnetic properties.