Synthesis, Structural Analysis, Crystallization, and Magnetization Behavior of High-Entropy CaCuMgNiZnFe₂O₄ Spinels

The crystallographic frameworks and magnetic ordering mechanisms are well established in conventional single component ferrites. In contrast, the knowledge that high-entropy spinel oxides featuring equimolar incorporation of five or more cation species exhibit complex lattice distortions and competing magnetic interactions is less understood. This study focuses on the synthesis, structural, and magnetic analysis of varied ferrite compositions, namely, CaFe₂O₄ (orthorhombic), CuFe₂O₄ (tetragonal), and cubic spinels MgFe₂O₄, NiFe₂O₄, and ZnFe₂O₄ alongside the high-entropy CaCuMgNiZnFe₂O₄. Despite the compositional complexity, the formation of single-phase structures with well-defined oxidation states, site occupancy, and chemical homogeneity of the investigated ferrites has been confirmed from the characterization results. Notably, the enhanced magnetization of ∼42 emu/g displayed by the high-entropy CaCuMgNiZnFe₂O₄ compared to the other individual ferrites emphasizes the significance of entropy-driven exchange interactions. Further, the greater IC₅₀ value exhibited by the high-entropy ferrite toward osteosarcoma MG-63 cell lines favors their applicability in biomedicine. The outcome of the study expands the understanding of high-entropy spinel ferrites as multifunctional materials with potential applications in advanced biomedical application.