Rod-shaped NiFe2O4 ferrites were prepared by precipitation-toptactic reaction with the aid of pod-like gamma-FeOOH template using Na2C2O4 and NaOH as precipitants. The NiFe2O4 ferrite prepared using Na2C2O4 precipitant experienced the formation of gamma-Fe2O3 and NiO through dehydroxylation of gamma-FeOOH and decomposition of nickel salt, transition of gamma-Fe2O3 into alpha-Fe2O3 and production of NiFe2O4 from the reaction of NiO and alpha-Fe2O3. The NiFe2O4 ferrite prepared using NaOH precipitant included the formation of gamma-Fe2O3 and NiO through dehydroxylation of gamma-FeOOH, decomposition of nickel salt and production of NiFe2O4 from the reaction of NiO and gamma-Fe2O3. The transition of gamma-Fe2O3 into alpha-Fe2O3 was found in the synthesis process of NiFe2O4 ferrite prepared using Na2C2O4 precipitant. It was found that the NiFe2O4 ferrite prepared using NaOH precipitant had larger length to diameter ratio and better crystallinity, and higher coercivity and lower saturation magnetization. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.