6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Ni Substituted Mg–Ferrite Nanoparticles: Structure, Coating Effects, and Plant Growth Response

7 Jul 2026, 11:00
20m
Lecture Hall GH1 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall GH1

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Speaker

Mr Sifiso Nxumalo (School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa)

Description

Nickel substituted magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (NixMg1−xFe2O4; x = 0, 0.5, 1) were synthesised via the glycol thermal method and coated with chitosan through 50 h ball milling. Structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were characterised using XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, UV Vis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and VSM. XRD confirmed single-phase spinel structures, with crystallite sizes increasing from 7.20–23.1 nm (uncoated) and 6.70–19.7 nm (coated) as Ni content rose. Lattice parameters ranged from 8.327–8.380 Å (uncoated) and 8.314–8.415 Å (coated). FTIR supported spinel formation, TEM showed semi-spherical clustered particles, SEM revealed smoother surfaces after coating, and EDX confirmed elemental composition.
The early growth response of spinach seedlings was assessed using magnesium ferrite, nickel ferrite, and a mixed 0.5(Ni–Mg) ferrite, applied at 0.5 g per 2.5 g of fertiliser. Magnesium ferrite enhanced growth (6–9 cm height, 35–45 SPAD, LAI 0.28–0.45), nickel ferrite inhibited it (3–5 cm, 18–28 SPAD, LAI 0.10–0.20), and the mixed ferrite produced intermediate effects. Overall, Mg ferrite improved early plant growth, Ni ferrite suppressed it, and mixed ferrite provided partial recovery.

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Author

Mr Sifiso Nxumalo (School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa)

Co-authors

Jerry Dlamini (School of Geo and Spatial Science, North-West University, P/Bag X1290, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa) Dr Wendy Mdlalose (School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa)

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