Characterization and Application of ZnFe2O4 Soft Ferrite: A Review

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) is a member of the spinel oxide family that is technologically important and has attracted great attention due to the unique combination of its magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties. This review paper describes the structure, synthesis methods, and the use of zinc ferrite. More specifically, it highlights the experimental factors, cation distribution, and property dependencies. Some of the synthesis techniques mentioned briefly is solid state, sol-gel, hydrothermal, plasma-assisted, and green methods. The major aspects of comparison for ZnFe2O4 obtained with these different methods are their crystallinity, particle size, and magnetic properties. A comparison of bulk and nanostructured ZnFe2O4 is made, and this clarifies the much better stability and low-loss nature of bulk materials for use at high frequency and high temperature, which is perfect over and above the nanostructured ones that are getting more surface activity. Besides, the major industrial applications of magnetic cores, electromagnetic interference shielding, gas sensing, catalysis, and ceramics are thoroughly discussed from a critical point of view. Finally, the review paper points out the present research shortcomings and future trends that will lead to the creation of modern ZnFe2O4-based materials.