MDPI, Magnetochemistry, 8(8), p. 86, 2022
DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry8080086
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We present the new synthesis root of spinel-structure FeCr2O4 and its single crystal growth by the optical floating zone method, ensuring its single phase and near-ideal composition. The advantage of the proposed synthesis method is the creation of the reducing atmosphere in the oven needed for preserving the Fe2+ oxidation state via decomposition of the iron (II) oxalate FeC2O4 used as one of the initial components. The occurrence of the Fe3+ ions in the obtained polycrystalline samples as well as grown single crystals was carefully monitored by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity temperature dependences reveal a sequence of the structural (138 K) and magnetic (at 65 K and 38 K) phase transition characteristics for the FeCr2O4 compound.