The rod-shaped Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ particles were synthesized via a topotactic reaction, in which goethite (α-FeOOH) particles are the main constituents. The phases, microstructures and magnetic properties of these particles were studied using XRD, FE-SEM and VSM. The precursor solution consisted of NiSO₄·xH₂O, ZnSO₄·xH₂O, goethite and D.I. water werereacted at four different temperatures (50, 70, 90, 100℃) to generate four differently precipitated particles respectively. During the co-precipitation reaction, the pH of the solution was maintained at 8.0 using NaOH. The particles coprecipitated and calcined at a temperature of 700℃, exhibited a rod-shape similar to its original goethite, which means that the shape of Ni-Zn ferrite particles can be topotactically controlled by the goethite. The particles synthesized at 70 and 90℃ have a saturation magnetization of 29 and 35 emu/g respectively; representing better values than the ones synthesized at the 50 and 100℃, in which some second phases such as Fe₂O₃ were observed.

Goethite, α-FeOOH have various applications such as absorbent, pigment and source for magnetic materials. Goethite particles were synthesized in a two step process, where Fe(OH)₂ were synthesized in nitrogen atmosphere using FeSO₄ as a raw material in the first process, and after that acicular goethite particles were obtained in an air oxidation process of Fe(OH)₂ in highly alkaline aqueous solution. Their phase and microstructure were investigated with XRD and FE-SEM. It was found that the morphology of goethite and the ratio of length-to-width (aspect ratio) of acicular goethite are dependent on the some factors such as R value (OH-/Fe²⁺), air flow rate and pH conditions. In particular, R value has the strongest influence on the synthesized goethite morphology. It is considered that the optimal value R is 4.5 because X-ray diffraction peaks of goethite have the highest intensity at that value. Morphology of goethite particles was controlled by air flow rates, showing that their size and aspect ratio are getting smaller and decrease, respectively as air flow rate increases. The largest goethite particle obtained is about 1,500 nm in length and 150 nm in diameter.