Fe excess containing magnesium ferrite(MgFe2þδO4, δ¼0.1)
nanocrystalline powders with grain size in the range(10–100nm)
were synthesized by the sol gel combustion method.Ther esultant
sample on heatt reatment showed the precipitation of α-Fe2O3
phase. The quantity of α-Fe2O3 phase initially increased and then
decreased with calcination temperature.The variation in magne-
tization as a function of calcination temperature may be due to the
change in site occupancy and the precipitation of a second phase.
The addition of excess Fe into the MgFe2O4 system is seen to
improve the gas sensing behavior of the sample towards ethanol
over the stoichiometric composition.