Partially inverse spinel ZnFe₂O₄ with high saturation magnetization synthesized via a molten salt route

Materials with high saturation magnetization (M_s) is greatly demanded in modern soft magnetic applications. In this work, we synthesized partially inverse spinel ZnFe₂O₄ in micron scale with the highest M_s (M_s 5.05 B) among ferrites. What's more, it exhibits high Curie temperature (640 K), high resistivity, and excellent thermo-stability. Through careful analyses, including Mssbauer spectroscopic, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photo-electron spectroscopic measurements, it was concluded that the strong ferromagnetism of the as-prepared ZnFe ₂O₄ resulted from its partially inverse spinel structure. These excellent properties indicate the as-prepared ZnFe₂O ₄ is an ideal kind of soft magnet.