Ferrites: magnetic materials as an alternate source of green electrical energy

Ferrites samples Mg_1-xLi_xFe₂O₄ for x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, were synthesized by solid-state sintering method. Detailed investigations were made on the structural, morphological, magnetic and electrical proprieties of these samples. A detailed investigation was performed on power generation of these samples and role of Li-doping has been discussed. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the spinel phase formation in samples without any impurity. It is observed from Scanning Electron Microscopy that average grain size of samples decreases with lithium doping in MgFe₂O₄. The saturation magnetization of MgFe₂O₄ (15.4 emu/g) is found to increase with Lithium percentage and maximum 39.3 emu/g for Mg_0.7Li_0.3Fe₂O₄ sample. Ferrites play a crucial role in magnetic recording, microwave magnetic devices and many applications in medical sciences. Recently, it was observed that ferrites can be an alternate source of green energy by inventing hydroelectric cell (HEC). The processes of water adsorption and dissociation on the metal-oxide surface, plays an important role in production of electricity in ferrites. When, water is sprayed on hydroelectric cell the thermodynamic driving force is responsible for the formation of stable metal-oxygen or metal-hydroxyl bonds. The reactivity of ferrite surface towards water is based on the interaction of these ions and the d orbital of the Fe atom. Due to this interaction, water dissociated in H₃O⁺ and OH^- ions and migrates toward silver and zinc electrodes respectively. A typical hydroelectric cell of 2 inch diameter produces 17.1 mA of peak current and 949 mV voltage with a maximum output power of 15.85 mW for Li = 0.2 doped MgFe₂O₄ sample.