Researchers find cheaper way to create textured nickel ferrite

NFO is a magnetic material that holds promise for applications in microwave technologies or next-generation memory devices and the new process is claimed to be easily scalable to address manufacturing needs.

According to a statement from NC State, this is the first time researchers have used a chemical deposition process to create NFO thin films that are textured, meaning they have an aligned crystalline structure. Arraying the crystalline structure in such a way maximises the magnetic properties of the material.

Using a chemical deposition process also makes it easier to modify, or dope, the NFO by adding additional materials, such as zinc.

By doping the NFO, researchers can optimise the material for various applications. For example, adding zinc allows the NFO to retain its magnetic properties at higher temperatures.

The technique used to create the NFO thin films begins by introducing nickel and iron compounds into an organic solvent to create an NFO solution.