Simple synthesis of novel mushroom-like FeNi₃ microstructures by a hydrothermal reduction

Abstract

A simple and easy hydrothermal method was presented to synthesise mushroom-like FeNi₃ microstructures by reducing iron and nickel salts with hydrazine hydrate in strong alkaline media. The shape and size of FeNi₃ alloy could be effectively controlled by varying the concentration of sodium hydroxide and temperature, respectively. The microstructure and morphology was investigated by XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The magnetic measurements at room temperature showed that the FeNi₃ alloy mushrooms exhibited ferromagnetic behaviour with saturation magnetisation of 87.7 emu/g and an enhanced coercivity of 164.4 Oe. Such FeNi₃ assembles would have the potential to be used as efficient electromagnetic wave absorbers in the wide microwave frequency range.

Keywords:

• FeNi₃
• hydrothermal route
• magnetic properties
• metals and alloys