AP0862 Tunable Structural and Optical Properties of Hydrothermally Synthesized Zn1-xMnxFe2O4 Nanostructures

Abstract

In this study, zinc-manganese ferrite (Zn_1-xMn_xFe₂O₄) nanostructures were prepared at different Mn substitution ratios (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4) with a hydrothermal route. The structural, morphology, and optical properties of the prepared samples were studied. Results confirmed the polycrystalline nature and spinel-ferrite structure, and the crystallinity and crystallite size decreased with increasing Mn content. Spherical nanoparticles were formed with distinct levels of aggregation and porosity, relying on the Mn substitution ratio. The functional absorption bands of metallic-oxygen bonds and different molecular interactions were confirmed. A significant change in the absorption spectrum with increasing manganese content as well as an increase in the optical energy gap were osberved, indicating tunable electronic properties. The tunable structural, optical, and morphological properties of the Zn_1-xMn_xFe₂O₄ nanostructures with different Mn contents indicate their potential application in magnetic materials, catalysis, and biomedical fields.