A study of nanocrystalline NiFe2O4 in a silica matrix

The present work deals with the synthesis of nickel ferrite/SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites, obtained by embedding nickel ferrite nanoparticles in a silica matrix, through sol-gel method based on hydrolysis and condensation of a silicon alkoxide and thermal treatment. Methods employed in characterization of the materials obtained at different ferrite concentration and at suitable thermal treatments were differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mid-infrared (IR) spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In purpose to evaluate magnetic properties of these nanocomposites, static magnetic measurements using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were carried out.