Non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using egg white solution route

The thermal decomposition kinetics of nickel ferrite (NiFe 2O4) precursor prepared using egg white solution route in dynamical air atmosphere was studied by means of TG with different heating rates. The activation energy (E α) values of one reaction process were estimated using the methods of Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), which were found to be consistent. The dependent activation energies on extent of conversions of the decomposition reaction indicate "multi-step" processes. XRD, SEM and FTIR showed that the synthesized NiFe2O4 precursor after calcination at 773 K has a pure spinel phase, having particle sizes of ~54 ± 29 nm. © 2009 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.