Ferrite nanomaterials: Preparation, properties, and applications in electrochemical and optical sensor technologies

Abstract

Ferrites are magnetic nanoparticles with ferromagnetic order, which can contain mainly iron in their composition and derivatives of different metal oxides apart from magnetite and hematite. Ferrites have a broad usage area in medical/biomedical, catalyst, magnetic resonance imaging, sensing, energy devices, memory areas, etc. because of their chemical and thermal durability, processable, and reasonable cost. Their good electrochemical behavior makes them preferred in energy storage platforms. Magnetic nanoparticle-based electrochemical and optical sensors have attracted attention recently because of their extraordinary properties, great particle size, quick electron kinetics, adjustable electronic conductivity, and stoichiometry. Various magnetic spinel ferrites have been used as electrochemical and optical sensors for the determination of several hazardous analytes. Therefore, this chapter will cover the preparation of ferrite nanoparticles (FNPs), their extraordinary properties, as well as modification techniques for their use in the electrochemical and optical sensor areas. Obtaining selective and sensitive sensors, target analyte types, and practical application of these sensors are the main themes of this chapter. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.