A review on synthesis, characterization and properties of lithium ferrites

Abstract

The current article has mostly addressed the structural features, magnetic properties, synthesis methods, and practical uses of spinel lithium ferrites (LFs). This soft magnetic ceramic with the chemical formula Li0.5Fe2.5O4 or LiFe5O8 has attracted considerable attention due to its many applications in various industries, including electronics, telecommunications, and medicine. The LF materials have been outstanding in the computer core field for years due to their great temperature performance and hysteresis loop squareness. The main advantage of lithium ferrites is their use as microwave ferrites as low-cost ceramics. In the past few decades, scientists have focused on the improvement of the magnetic properties of lithium ferrites via synthesis techniques, shaping methods, additive materials, and chemical composition. The synthesis methods of lithium ferrites include solid state, ball mill, microemulsion, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, sol–gel, combustion, microwave, and citrate precursor. The solid-state method is the oldest and most widespread method for synthesizing lithium ferrite. Among these methods, solid state, ball mill, microemulsion, and nitrate precursor methods are affordable. Also, adding some dopant to this material improves its properties. Adding chromium, zinc, manganese, cadmium, magnesium, and rare earth elements increases the magnetic and electrical properties of lithium ferrite. While the dipping of nickel acts the opposite of these elements and reduces the magnetization of lithium ferrite. Also, titanium-doped lithium ferrites are an inexpensive alternative to garnets.

Keywords

• Lithium ferrite
• Magnetic properties
• Sintering
• Soft magnets
• Spinels