Structural and electromagnetic properties of Ni0.5Zn0.5HoxFe2-xO4 ferrites

Ni-Zn ferrites with a nominal composition of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Ho_xFe_2-xO₄ (x = 0–0.06) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction through using analytical-grade metal oxides powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure, magnetic properties and dielectric performance of the as-prepared samples were investigated. The doped Ho³⁺ ions could enter into the crystal lattice of the resultant spinel ferrites, causing the expansion of the unit cell, reaching a saturated state when x = 0.015; and the additional Ho³⁺ ions would form a foreign HoFeO₃ phase at the grain boundary. The grain size and densification of the samples initially decreased after a small amount of Ho³⁺ ions was doped, but then increased with more Ho³⁺ ions added. The saturation magnetization decreased gradually with increasing substitution level of Ho³⁺ ions. The Curie temperature and coercivity raised initially and declined later with increasing content of Ho³⁺ ions in the samples, reaching their maximums of 305 °C with x = 0.015 and 2.99 Oe with x = 0.03, respectively. The variation of complex permeability versus Ho³⁺ ions substitution level presented an opposite trend to that of coercivity. The dielectric loss increased slightly after the introduction of a small amount of Ho³⁺ ions, but reduced significantly with more Ho³⁺ ions doped.     

Structural and Magnetic Property of Co1‐xNixFe2O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method

The cobalt nickel ferrite (Co_1‐xNi_xFe₂O₄ x = 0–1.0) nanoparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Effects of nickel content and organic template on the microstructure and magnetic property of the nanoparticles were studied. The experimental results indicate that Ni²⁺ substitution for Co²⁺ and special synthesis technique leads to obvious change in microstructure and magnetic property of the ferrites. The ferrites show nonlinear variations in the saturation magnetization and the coercivity with nickel substitution, which are explained by shape anisotropy and supernormal cation distribution. The organic template also leads to variation in the microstructure and properties of the nanoparticles.     

Magneto-optical properties of rare earth metals substituted Co-Zn spinel nanoferrites

Cobalt–zinc ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) substituted with three different metals, Co_0.5Zn_0.5Re_xFe_2-xO₄ (RE = Ce, Dy, and Y; 0.00?≤?x?≤?0.05) were prepared hydrothermally. Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) analyzed the products. The formation of cubic phase of spinel Co-Zn ferrite NPs were confirmed through XRD, FT-IR and FE-SEM techniques. The structural investigation of NPs by XRD revealed that the lattice parameter "a" decreases with the introduction of the RE in the ferrite structure by the substitution of Fe³⁺ by RE ions. The different magnetic parameters of Co_0.5Zn_0.5Re_xFe_2-xO₄ (RE = Ce, Dy, and Y; 0.00?≤?x?≤?0.05) NPs such as the saturation magnetization, coercivity, remanence, and magnetic moment were calculated and discussed in relation to structure and microstructure properties. M (H) hysteresis curves indicated that the samples exhibit superparamagnetic nature at room temperature. A slight improvement in the magnetization was obtained especially for the Ce- and Y-substituted Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ (CZF) NPs at a certain RE level. However, the case Dy-substituted CZF products showed a sharp decrease in the magnetization with x?>?0.01. The results are mostly ascribed to the substitution of smaller Fe³⁺ ions with larger RE³⁺ ions.     

The Cobalt Zinc Spinel Ferrite Nanofiber: Lightweight and Efficient Microwave Absorber

To solve the heavy mass problem of the traditional spinel ferrite using as the microwave absorber, the Co_xZn_(1?x)Fe₂O₄ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) ferrite nanofibres were synthesized by electrospinning method. The phase composition, morphology, and electromagnetic properties were analyzed. The results showed that all the as‐prepared Co_xZn_(1?x)Fe₂O₄ ferrites exhibited the homogeneous nanofibrous shape. The saturation magnetization and coercivity were enhanced by tuning the Co²⁺ content. The electromagnetic loss analysis indicated that the Co_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄ ferrite nanofiber performed the strongest microwave attenuation ability. The microwave absorbing coating containing 15 wt% of Co_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄ ferrite nanofiber showed the reflection loss less than ?10 dB in the whole X‐band and 80% of the Ku‐band frequencies. Meanwhile, the surface density was only 2.4 Kg/m².     

Synthesis and analysis of structural,compositional, morphological,magnetic, electrical and surface charge properties of Zn-doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Zn-doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles (Zn_xNi_(1-x)Fe₂O₄) were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique. The structural and compositional studies of the Zn_xNi_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles revealed their face-centred cubic spinel structure and an appropriate amount of Zn doping in nickel ferrite nanoparticles, respectively. The morphological analysis had been carried out to obtain the particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles. The magnetic studies revealed the superparamagnetic nature of the Zn_xNi_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles, and the maximum magnetization of 30 emu/g for the Zn_0.2N_0.8Fe₂O₄ sample. The M ? H curves were fitted with the Langevin function to obtain the magnetic particle diameter of Zn_xNi_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The electrical conduction in Zn_xNi_(1-x)Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles was explained through the Verway hopping mechanism. The Zn_0.2N_0.8Fe₂O₄ nanoparticle exhibited a higher electrical conductivity of 42 μS/cm and surface charge of ?29/7 mV due to the enhanced hopping of Fe³⁺ ions in the octahedral sites. Owing to this nature, they were identified as the suitable candidates in the applications such as thermoelectrics, hyperthermia, magnetic coating and for the preparation of conducting ferrofluids.     

Effect of Ni2+ substitution on structural,magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of mixed spinel CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ with x=0.0, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The structural analysis reveals the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure with a narrow size distribution between 13–17 nm. Transmission electron microscope images are in agreement with size of nanoparticles calculated from XRD. The field emission scanning electron microscope images confirmed the presence of nano-sized grains with porous morphology. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Fe²⁺ ions with Fe³⁺. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed the strong influence of Ni²⁺ doping on saturation magnetization and coercivity. The saturation magnetization decreases from 91 emu/gm to 44 emu/gm for x=0.0–0.50 samples. Lower magnetic moment of Ni²⁺ (2 µ_B) ions in comparison to that of Co²⁺ (3 µ_B) ions is responsible for this reduction. Similarly, overall coercivity decreased from 1010 Oe to 832 Oe for x=0.0–0.50 samples and depends on crystallite size. Cation distribution has been proposed from XRD analysis and magnetization data. Electron spin resonance spectra suggested the dominancy of superexchange interactions in Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ samples. The optical analysis indicates that Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ is an indirect band gap material and band gap increases with increasing Ni²⁺ concentration. Dispersion behavior with increasing frequency is observed for both dielectric constant and loss tangent. The conduction process predominantly takes place through grain boundary volume. Grain boundary resistance increases with Ni²⁺ ion concentration.     

Structural,electrical and magnetic properties of Co0.5Zn0.5AlxFe2−xO4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) prepared via sol–gel route

Nanoparticles of Co_0.5Zn_0.5Al_xFe_2?xO₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) were synthesized by sol–gel method and the influence of Al³⁺ doping on the properties of Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ was studied. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of single phase spinel type cubical structure having space group Fd-3m. A decreasing trend of the lattice parameter was observed with increasing Al³⁺ concentration due to the smaller ionic radii of Al³⁺ ion as compared to Fe³⁺ ion. TEM was used to characterize the microstructure of the samples and particle size determination, which exhibited the formation of spherical nanoparticles. The particle size was found to be increases up to ～45 nm after annealing the sample at 1000 °C. Electrical resistivity was found to increase with Al³⁺ doping, attributed to the decrease in the number of Fe²⁺–Fe³⁺ hopping. The activation energy decreased with increasing Al³⁺ ion concentration, indicating the blocking of conduction mechanism between Fe³⁺–Fe²⁺ ions. The value of saturation magnetization decreased, when Fe³⁺ ions were doped with Al³⁺ ions in Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄; however, the coercivity values increased with increasing Al³⁺ ion content.     

Effects of Co-substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of NiCoxFe2−xO4 ferrite nanoparticles

The sol–gel auto-combustion method was used to prepare nanocrystalline powders of Co-substituted nickel ferrite with the general formula NiCo_xFe_2−xO₄ (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5). The effects of Co-doping on the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the samples were subsequently evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Using the MAUD program, the full pattern fitting of Rietveld method was employed to determine the exact coordinate of the atoms, unit cell dimensions, and ion occupancy. X-ray diffraction measurements by Rietveld refinement confirmed the crystalline structure and phase purity of all the ferrites prepared. FTIR results also confirmed the formation of a spinel phase and FE-SEM images showed that the particles were in the nanosize range. Moreover, Rietveld analysis and saturation magnetization (M_s) revealed that Co³⁺ replaced Fe³⁺ in the tetrahedral A-sites up to x=0.1. then, it replaced Fe³⁺ in both A- and B-sites for x≥0.25. Finally, VSM results demonstrated that while M_s remained nearly constant with increasing Co³⁺ substitution, coercivity (H_c) increased significantly. It may be suggested that the larger magneto-crystalline anisotropy of Co³⁺ ions is responsible for the increased H_c observed in the Co-doped Ni ferrite samples.     

Graphene anchored Ce doped spinel ferrites for practical and technological applications

Graphene plays a remarkable role as a supporting material for the fabrication of a variety of nanocomposites. This work presents the fabrication of graphene-based Ce doped Ni–Co (Ni_0.5Co_0.5Ce_0.2Fe_1.8O₄/G) ferrite nanocomposites. Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄ and Ni_0.5Co_0.5Ce_0.2Fe_1.8O₄ were prepared using sol gel method. However, Ce doped Ni–Co spinel nanoferrite was chemically anchored on the surface of graphene. Different characterizations techniques were adopted to investigate the variations in the properties of ferrite composite due to the incorporation of graphene. Thermal analysis revealed 18% heat weight loss of Ce doped Ni–Co ferrite sample during treatment up to 1000 °C respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis depicted the presence of spinel phase structure of all synthesized nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed two absorption bands of tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel phase and presence of graphene contents in the Ni_0.8Ce_0.2CoFeO₄/G composite. FESEM images revealed an increased agglomeration due to the presence of graphene in the Ce doped Ni–Co ferrite composites. Graphene based Ce doped Ni–Co ferrite nanocomposite showed highest conductivity (4.52 mS/cm) than other ferrite composites. Magnetic characteristics showed an improvement in the Ni–Co ferrite sample by the substitutions of Ce³⁺ ions and graphene contents. The improvement in the properties of these nanocomposites makes them potential material for many applications such as fabrication of electrodes, energy storage and nanoelectronics devices.     

Investigation of cation distribution and magnetocrystalline anisotropy of NixCu0.1Zn0.9−xFe2O4 nanoferrites: Role of constant mole percent of Cu2+ dopant in place of Zn2+

Co-precipitated and 800 °C heat treated Ni-Cu-Zn nanoferrites with chemical formula Ni_xCu_0.1Zn_0.9-xFe₂O₄ (x=0.5, 0.6, 0.7) were prepared because of their potential use as multilayer chip inductors in electromagnetic applications. Their structural, magnetic properties and phase formation were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE–SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Mössbauer spectrometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The XRD patterns confirm the cubic spinel structure of the ferrite phase belonging to Fd3m space group. Lattice parameters and cation distributions were obtained by Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns. The lattice parameter decreases with increase in Ni²⁺ ion concentration. Rietveld analysis indicates that Cu²⁺ ions predominantly occupy the B-sites and Ni²⁺ ions partly going into B-sites but predominantly into A-sites. An excellent agreement is observed between the experimental lattice parameters and lattice parameters theoretically calculated using this cation redistribution. The inversion parameter (λ) observed for Fe³⁺ ions by Mössbauer spectroscopy is different from that of Rietveld analysis. Magnetization and Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements indicate that the ferrite nanoparticles are mostly superparamagnetic. The cation redistribution is supposed to alter the magnetocrystalline anisotropy which in turn affects the magnetic parameters of the present ferrite samples. The reduced magnetization is attributed to core-shell interactions and possible canting of A- and B-shell magnetizations. TGA-DSC studies indicate that ferrite formation in the 800 °C heat treated samples is completed but grain growth increases as the particles are subject to the increased temperature.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Co1−xZnxFe2O4 nanorods prepared by the solvothermal annealing method

Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (0.1≤x≤0.9) nanorods have been prepared by the thermal decomposition of the corresponding oxalate precursor, which was synthesized by the template-, surfactant-free solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The obtained Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (0.1≤x≤0.9) nanorods were built by many nanoparticles with average sizes around 20 nm to form one-dimensional arrays. Vibrating sample magnetometry measurements show that the coercivity of the ferrite nanorods decreases with increasing Zn content, whereas the specific saturation magnetization initially increases and then decreases with the increase of Zn content. The maximum saturation magnetization value of the as-prepared sample (Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄) reaches 43.0 emu g⁻¹.     

Tuning of ferrimagnetic nature and hyperfine interaction of Ni2+ doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for power transformer applications

Ferrites may contain single domain particles which gets converted into super-paramagnetic state near critical size. To explore the existence of these characteristic feature of ferrites, we have performed magnetization(M-H loop) and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies of Ni²⁺ substitution effect in Co_1-xNi_xFe₂O₄ (where x?=?0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) nanoparticles were fabricated by solution combustion route using mixture of carbamide and glucose as fuels for the first time. As prepared samples exhibit spinel cubic structure with lattice parameters which decreases linearly with increase in Ni²⁺ concentration. The M-H loops reveals that saturation magnetization(M_s), coercive field(H_c) remanence magnetization(M_r) and magnetron number(η_B) decreases significantly with increasing Ni²⁺ substitution. The variation of saturation magnetization has been explained on the basis of Neel's molecular field theory. The coercive field(H_c) is found strongly dependent on the concentration of Ni²⁺ and decrease of coercivity suggests that the particles have single domain and exhibits superparamagnetic behavior. The Mössbauer spectroscopy shows two ferrimagnetically relaxed Zeeman sextets distribution at room temperature. The dependence of Mössbauer parameters such as isomer shift, quadru pole splitting, line width and hyperfine magnetic field on Ni²⁺ concentration have been discussed. Hence our results suggest that synthesized materials are potential candidate for power transformer application.     

FexCo0.5−xNi0.5-SDC anodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Trimetal alloys, Fe_xCo_0.5−xNi_0.5 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4), were studied as anodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) based on GDC (Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95) electrolytes. The alloys were formed by in situ reduction of Fe_xCo_0.5−xNi_0.5O_y composites, which were synthesized using a glycine-nitrate technique. Symmetrical cells consisted of Fe_xCo_0.5−xNi_0.5-SDC electrodes and GDC electrolytes, and single cells consisted of Fe_xCo_0.5−xNi_0.5-SDC (Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9) anodes, GDC electrolytes, and SSC (Sm_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃)-SDC cathodes were prepared using a co-pressing and co-firing process. Interfacial polarization resistances and I-V curves of these cells were measured at temperature from 450 to 600 °C. With Fe_0.25Co_0.25Ni_0.5-SDC as anodes, the cells showed the lowest interfacial resistance and highest power density. For example, at 600 °C, the resistance was about 0.11 Ω cm² and power density was about 750 mW cm⁻² when humidified (3% H₂O) hydrogen was used as fuel and stationary air as oxidant. Further, the cell performance was improved when the molar ratio of Fe:Co:Ni approached 1:1:2, i.e. Fe_0.25Co_0.25Ni_0.5. In addition, higher power density and lower interfacial resistance were obtained for cells with the Fe_0.25Co_0.25Ni_0.5-SDC anodes comparing to that with Ni-SDC anodes, which have been usually used for LT-SOFCs. The promising performance of Fe_xCo_0.5−xNi_0.5 as anodes suggests that trimetallic anodes are worth considering for SOFCs that operate at low-temperature.     

Structure and enhanced electromagnetic properties of Y3+ substituted microwave sintered NiZnCo ferrites

Ni₀₆Zn_0.3Co_0.1Y_xFe_2-xO₄ ferrites (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) were fabricated by a sol–gel autocombustion method using Microwave Sintering Technology (MST) and Conventional Sintering Technology (CST). With increased Y³⁺ ions, the structure and electromagnetic performance of all MST samples were better than those of CST. In addition, the MST and CST samples formed a second phase (YFeO₃) when x > 0.025 because the radius of the Y³⁺ ion is larger than that of the Fe³⁺ ion. Compared with the CST samples, the MST samples showed increased densification and average grain size. Meanwhile, excellent electromagnetic performance of MST was achieved when the amount of Y substitution was 0.025, with high saturation magnetization (Ms, 154.19 emu/g), the lowest coercivity (Hc, 20.21 Oe), the lowest dielectric constant (ε′, 10.82@1 MHz), lower dielectric loss (tanδ, 0.0093@1 MHz) and the highest direct-current resistivity (ρ, 2.706 × 10⁶ Ω?m). These excellent results also confirm the good prospects of microwave sintering, which can better meet the needs of modern electronic devices for high frequency and low loss.     

Synthesis and characterization of pure single phase Ni-Zn ferrite nanopowders by oxalate based precursor method

Series of single-phase Ni_1 − xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x = 0.20, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.60) nanopowders with average particle size of ∼ 35 nm have been synthesized by using oxalate based precursor method. Precursor powders were synthesized by reacting aqueous solutions of metal nitrates and oxalic acid by using different total metal ions: oxalic acid molar ratios and then evaporating them to dryness. Pure, single-phase Ni-Zn ferrite nanopowder was formed by calcining the precursor with total metal ion: oxalic acid ratio of 1:0.125 at a temperature of 850 °C. The synthesized nanopowders were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, Thermo-gravimetric and Differential Scanning Calorimetric analysis, Transmission Electron Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. Room temperature DC resistivity of the nanopowders was measured with respect to temperature by the two-probe method and was of the order of ∼ 10⁷ Ωcm. Room temperature saturation magnetization was measured by using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer and it varied between 34-49 emu/g depending on the composition. This aqueous solution based method provides a simple and cost-effective route to synthesize single phase, Ni-Zn ferrite nanopowders.     

Yttrium substituted Co–Cu–Zn nanoferrite: A synergetic impact of Y3+ on enhanced physical properties and photocatalysis

Co_0.5Cu_0.25Zn_0.25Y_xFe_2-xO₄; (0≤x≤0.1; step 0.02) (CCZY) spinel ferrites were prepared by citrate technique. The prepared CCZY samples have crystallite sizes ranging from 21 to 34 nm. The nanoscale nature of the samples was, also, established by HRTEM micrographs. Even though the substitution route here involves the replacement of magnetic ions Fe³⁺ by a non-magnetic one Y³, the magnetization of CCZY nanoparticles did not show a continual decrease as expected. The nanoferrite Co_0.5Cu_0.25Zn_0.25Y_0.06Fe_1.94O₄, has a moderate value of saturation magnetization 63.45 emu/g (decreased with 11.55% than the pristine sample) and higher coercivity 416.44 Oe (increased with 21.83% than the pristine sample), which may be a suitable candidate for data storage applications. All CCZY nanoferrite have direct optical band gap within the range 1.57 eV–1.50 eV; which doesn't introduce a regular behavior with Y/Fe substitution process. Distinctively, the MB dye removal shows an optimum value with the nanoferrite CCZY (0.1), which gives a degradation efficiency of 95% after 60 min only. The outstanding increase in catalytic performance of the nanoferrite CCZY (0.1) was correlated with the size factor and saturation magnetization. The desirability function approach enabled to distinguish the optimal material (CCZY (0.1)) with the superior catalytic performance; the smallest size and convenient magnetic properties. Hence, the nanoferrite Co_0.5Cu_0.25Zn_0.25Y_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ can be utilized efficaciously for water treatment, via the safe photocatalytic process; without sabotaging the environment.     

Magnetic properties and microwave absorption of Ni0.7Zn0.3A0.05Fe1.95O4 (A = La,Ce, and Nd) powders within the range of 2–18 GHz

Ni_0.7Zn_0.3A_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ (A = La, Ce, and Nd) powders were obtained by the sol-gel combustion technique. The phase composition, microstructure, and electromagnetic properties of La³⁺, Ce³⁺, and Nd³⁺ substituted Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ were investigated. Compared with the Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ ferrite, the saturation magnetization of substituted Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ powders decreases due to the reduction of the super-exchange interaction by the substitution of La³⁺, Ce³⁺, and Nd³⁺at the Fe site. Furthermore, the enhanced dielectric constant of the substituted Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ ferrites prompts to the formation of good impedance matching and thereby improving the microwave absorption performance. The best reflection loss of Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Ce_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ ferrite is −17.5 dB at 13.8 GHz, and the corresponding absorption bandwidth (RL ≤ 5 dB) can be achieved 10.9 GHz. These results suggested that the Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Ce_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ ferrite is a potential composite for electromagnetic applications, particularly for broadband microwave absorption.     

Microstructure,magnetism, and high-frequency performance of polycrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5Sm0.025HoxFe1.975−xO4 ferrites

Novel polycrystalline Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Sm_0.025Ho_xFe_1.975−xO₄ (x = 0-0.06) ferrites were fabricated by a traditional solid-state reaction sintering method. The codoping effects of Sm and Ho on the microstructure, magnetism, and high-frequency performance of Ni–Zn ferrites were investigated. The substitution of Sm³⁺ and Ho³⁺ ions led to an apparent increase in the lattice constants. However, further increasing the addition of both dopants introduced SmFeO₃ or HoFeO₃ foreign phases at the boundaries of the polycrystalline grains. As the content of Ho³⁺ ions increased, the relative density and average grain size of the specimens decreased accordingly. Moreover, the substitution of Sm³⁺ clearly decreased the saturation magnetization and complex permeability, which further decreased with the doping of Ho³⁺. The evolution of the Curie temperature showed an opposite trend, reaching the highest temperature of 278°C when x = 0.03. Similarly, the coercivity and resonance frequencies also displayed opposite trends compared to those of the saturation magnetization and complex permeability. The codoping of Sm³⁺ and Ho³⁺ more effectively lowered the magnetic and dielectric loss tangent of the specimens compared with the undoped or single dopant modified ferrites.     

Microwave absorption properties of CoGd substituted ZnFe2O4 ferrites synthesized by co-precipitation technique

A series of co-precipitated Zn_1?xCo_xGd_yFe_2?yO₄ spinel ferrites (x = 0.0–0.5, y = 0.00–0.10) sintered at 1000 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM) and microwave cavity perturbation (MCP). XRD patterns and FTIR spectra reveal formation of the spinel phase along with few traces of GdFeO₃ second phase. The lattice constant decreases with an increasing amount of CoGd ions due to the segregation of Gd³⁺on the grain boundaries and due to replacement of lager Zn²⁺ ions with smaller Co²⁺ ions. SEM shows grain size to decrease with the increase of CoGd contents due to grain growth inhibition by the second phase. VSM results show remanence and saturation magnetization to exhibit an increasing trend due to Co substitution on octahedral sites and presence of a second phase. The coercivity increases with the increase of CoGd contents due to anisotropic nature of Co. MCP shows the complex magnetic permeability to increase with CoGd concentration while the complex permittivity decreases.