Effect of Zn substitution on the AC induction heating properties of ZnxMn1-xFe2O4 (x = 0.1–0.9) nanoparticles prepared using microwave assisted synthesis

Zn_xMn_1-xFe₂O₄ (x = 0.1–0.9) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared using a microwave-assisted coprecipitation method, and the effect of Zn substitution on the AC induction heating properties of the MNPs was investigated. With increasing Zn substitution, owing to the lower solubility product of Zn²⁺ ions, the formation of new nuclei was preferred over grain growth, which reduced the average crystallite size. The saturation magnetization initially increased with Zn substitution, attained the maximum value at x = 0.5, and decreased beyond that due to Yafet-Kittel type triangular spin ordering. The prepared MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic behaviour at ～ 300 K. AC induction heating studies of the MNPs indicated a specific absorption rate of ～ 130 ± 4 W/g_Fe at x = 0.1. The AC induction heating efficiency did not exhibit any non-monotonic variation at x = 0.5, and progressively decreased with increasing Zn concentration. This was attributed to the reduction in the MNP size and anisotropy energy density at higher Zn concentration that caused the relaxation dynamics to be Nèel dominated with lower effective relaxation time. AC induction heating studies on the agar-immobilized samples confirmed the Brownian relaxation mediated magneto-thermal energy conversion at lower Zn concentration. The obtained results demonstrated that saturation magnetization alone does not influence the AC induction heating efficiency and relaxation dynamics play a significant role.     

Preparation,physicochemical characterization,and AC induction heating properties of colloidal aggregates of ferrimagnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles coated with a bio-compatible polymer

AC induction heating properties of colloidal nano-aggregates of ferrimagnetic cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are reported in this study. Bio-compatible chitosan polymer-coated CoFe₂O₄ MNPs are synthesized using a co-precipitation method. Powder X-ray diffraction indicates the formation of mixed spinel structures for the uncoated (CP) and chitosan-coated (CP–CHN) MNPs, which is also supported by the cation distributions obtained from the Mössbauer spectra. The presence of chitosan coating on the surface of the CP-CHN MNPs is confirmed using X-ray photoelectron and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. Transmission electron microscopy shows primary particle sizes of ∼13 nm, which is larger than the superparamagnetic size limit of the CoFe₂O₄ MNPs. Hence, the CP and CP-CHN MNPs exhibit ferrimagnetic behaviour at room temperature with estimated saturation magnetization values of ∼77.4 emu/g and ∼74.4 emu/g, respectively. The average hydrodynamic diameter is found to be ∼90 ± 8 nm for an aqueous dispersion of the CP-CHN MNPs, which indicate the formation of colloidal nano-aggregates due to the ferrimagnetic interaction of the primary MNPs. The CP-CHN sample exhibits a significantly high AC induction heating efficiency of ∼267.2 ± 4.0 W/g_Fe, where the higher heating efficiency is attributed to the combination of hysteresis and relaxation-mediated magneto-thermal energy conversion, as confirmed using Stoner-Wohlfarth model-based dynamic hysteresis loop calculations. Further, the heating efficiency decreases with increasing sample concentration due to an increase in dipolar interaction, which is confirmed using semi-empirical calculations, where a lowering of the initial susceptibility is observed at higher concentrations. The higher AC induction heating efficiency, coupled with the demonstrated significant bio-compatibility during in vitro cytotoxicity studies, make the cobalt ferrite nano-aggregates potential candidates for magnetic hyperthermia.     

Synthesis and magneto-structural properties of chitosan coated ultrafine cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia in viscous medium

AC induction heating mediated magnetic fluid hyperthermia of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is being widely explored for localized thermo-therapy of tumours. One of the primary hindrances for rapid adaptation of this technique is the loss of heating efficiency when the MNPs are placed within the viscous tissue medium, which necessitates undesired increase in MNP concentrations or exposure time during practical applications. With an objective to mitigate this, here we report the viscosity independent magnetic hyperthermia properties of biocompatible ultrafine (average size ～ 2.5 nm) chitosan-coated superparamagnetic CoFe₂O₄ MNPs synthesized using a low-cost co-precipitation technique. The presence of the chitosan coating is confirmed from Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The superparamagnetic nature of the synthesized MNPs at 300 K is confirmed from Mössbauer spectroscopy, isothermal and temperature dependent magnetization studies. Experimental findings indicate a higher field-induced heating efficiency for the chitosan-coated MNPs due to superior colloidal stability. The ultrafine size, combined with higher anisotropy energy density, results in viscosity independent Nèel relaxation-dominated magneto-thermal energy conversion for the CoFe₂O₄ MNPs. Experimental results reveal negligible loss of heating efficiency due to partial abrogation of Brownian relaxation when the chitosan-coated MNPs are immobilized in a tissue-equivalent agar medium, which is beneficial for practical applications. The heating efficiency of ～72.1 ± 2.8 W/g_Fe (at 33.1 kA/m and 126 kHz), obtained in the present study for the chitosan-coated MNPs, is higher than the previously documented values for ultrafine CoFe₂O₄ MNPs, which is useful for reducing the exposure time during practical applications. Further, the chitosan coating rendered the ultrafine CoFe₂O₄ MNPs bio-compatible against L929 cell line. The satisfactory magnetic fluid hyperthermia efficiency, negligible room temperature coercivity, retention of the field-induced heating efficiency in tissue-equivalent agar medium due to Nèel-dominated relaxation dynamics and superior biocompatibility, make the chitosan-coated ultrafine CoFe₂O₄ MNPs an attractive candidate for practical MFH applications.     

Magnetocaloric effect and magnetic properties of the isovalent Sr2+ substituted Ba2FeMoO6 double perovskite

Fine-tuning the charge distribution in Ba₂FeMoO₆ obtained via “isovalent” substitution at the A-site (i.e., Ba) is expected to bring about changes in the physical properties of the system that can be manipulated in magnetic refrigerants. With this motivation, the phase formation, crystal structure, microstructure, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the Ba_2−xSr_xFeMoO₆ (0≤x≤0.4) samples fabricated by solid state reaction method have been investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of cubic structure with Fm3m space group in all the fabricated samples. The magnetization measurements and Arrott analysis revealed a second order of ferromagnetic phase transition in all the samples. An increase in magnetization and Curie temperature (T_C) was observed with the increase in Sr-content that was attributed to the increased orbital hybridization and exchange interaction between Fe and Mo ions. The magnitude of the maximum magnetic entropy change at the Curie temperature and the relative cooling power were observed to slightly decrease with the increased Sr doping. The excellent magnetocaloric features and convenient adjustment of Curie temperature make these materials useful for magnetic refrigeration in a wide range of temperature.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Ce-doped strontium hexaferrite

Ce³⁺ ion substituted Sr-hexaferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), SrCe_xFe_12-xO₁₉ (0.0?≤?x?≤?0.5) MNPs, were fabricated by citrate sol-gel combustion approach. All products have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at 300 and 10?K. The XRD pattern presents effective substitution of Ce³⁺ on the sites of strontium hexaferrite lattice. With Ce³⁺ doping, the lattice parameters a is almost unchanged, whereas c is a little increases with increasing the dopant contents. The hysteresis loops M-H showed the ferromagnetic nature of all elaborated. The saturation magnetization (M_s) and the remnant magnetization (M_r) are reduced with increasing Ce amount. All the elaborated products presented typically squarness ratio (M_r/M_s) around 0.5, indicating the existence of non-interacting single domain MNPs with a uniaxial anisotropy. The anisotropy fields (H_a) are found to be very large proving that all products are magnetically hard. With increasing the Ce content, H_a increases which indicate the strengthening of magnetic properties. Consequently, the values of coercive field (H_c) are enhanced, leading these products to be utilized in many uses, such as recording media and permanent magnets. ZFC and FC magnetizations curves indicated shifts of the blocking temperature (T_B) to lower temperatures with increasing Ce content. This is accredited to the reducing of particle size with Ce-substitution.     

Room temperature magnetic order in an organic magnet derived from polyaniline

We report on the synthesis and characterisation of a new type of polymer, PANiCNQ produced from polyaniline (PANi) and an acceptor molecule, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). PANiCNQ combines a fully conjugated nitrogen containing backbone with molecular charge transfer side groups and this combination gives rise to a stable polymer with a high density of localised spins which are expected to give rise to coupling. Magnetic measurements suggest that the polymer is ferri- or ferro-magnetic with a Curie temperature of over 350 K, and a maximum saturation magnetization of 0.1 JT⁻¹ kg⁻¹. Magnetic force microscopy images support this picture of room temperature magnetic order by providing evidence for domain wall formation and motion. The magnetic measurements reveal that the magnetically ordered state develops with time, taking several months to reach completion; X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that there is a concomitant evolution of the polymer chains from an amorphous state to a partially ordered form. Estimates of spin density from integrated electron spin resonance lines are larger than values obtained from the saturation magnetisation by a factor of 7 which leads us to tentatively conclude that PANiCNQ exhibits ferrimagnetic order.     

Effect of sintering regimes on the microstructure and magnetic properties of LiTiZn ferrite ceramics

In present work, the influence of sintering regimes on the microstructure, saturation magnetization, density and porosity, the grain size, the Curie point, and the temperature dependence of the initial permeability of LiTiZn ferrite ceramics was investigated. Ceramics was prepared by a standard ceramic technique. The formation of a single-phase cubic spinel structure was confirmed by XRD analysis. The Curie point was determined from both the temperature dependences of the initial permeability and the method of thermogravimetric measurements in a magnetic field. Density/porosity and the grain size, the Curie point and magnetization are sensitive to the sintering regime. The initial permeability of ferrite decreases with sintering temperature (in the range of 1010–1150?°С) and grain size increasing that contradicts the generally accepted Globus and Smith-Wijn theories. A possible reason of such behavior is the formation of intragranular pores growing with the increase in the sintering temperature and inhibiting the domain wall motion inside the grain. These results correspond to the porosity of the investigated ferrite ceramic samples, which grows with sintering temperature increasing.The non-stoichiometry arising due to evaporation of lithium and zinc oxides at temperature above 1010?°C affects the initial permeability. In this work, a qualitative assessment of the defective state of ferrite samples obtained under various sintering regimes was given.     

Formation enthalpy and magnetic properties of Bi-YIG powders

The formation enthalpy and magnetic properties of bismuth-doped yttrium iron garnet powders were investigated. The formation enthalpy and the crystallization temperature both decreased with increasing bismuth substitution for Bi_xY_3−xFe₅O₁₂ (0.25 ≦ x ≦ 1.25) powders prepared by the coprecipitation process. Bi substitution for Y can significantly reduce crystallization temperature for bismuth-doped yttrium iron garnet powders, and the magnetic properties (saturation magnetization, remanence, and coercive force) are independent of Bi substitution amounts. The average particle size has been determined by the specific surface area. As Bi substitution for Y increased, the average particle size also increased, while the specific surface area decreased.     

Preparation of electrospun magnetic polyvinyl butyral/Fe2O3 nanofibrous membranes for effective removal of iron ions from groundwater

Removing iron ions from groundwater to purify, it is a challenge faced by countries across the globe, which is why developing polymeric microfiltration membranes has garnered much attention. The authors of this study set out to develop nanofibrous membranes by embedding magnetic Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (MNPs) into polyvinylbutyral (PVB) nanofibers via the electrospinning process. Investigation was made into the effects of the concentration of the PVB and MNPs on the morphology of the nanofibers, their magnetic properties, and capacity for filtration to remove iron ions. The fabrication and presence of well-incorporated MNPs in the PVB nanofibers were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the concentration of the MNPs, the membranes exhibited magnetization to the extent of 45.5 emu g⁻¹; hence, they exceeded the performance of related nanofibrous membranes in the literature. The magnetic membranes possessed significantly higher efficiency for filtration compared to their nonmagnetic analogues, revealing their potential for groundwater treatment applications.     

Modulating the structure,vacancy defects,magnetic and dielectric properties in multiferroic GdMnO3 ceramics by alkaline earth ion substitution

This investigation highlights the significant influences of alkaline earth ion substitution for Gd on the structure, vacancy defects, magnetic and dielectric properties in GdMnO₃ (GMO) ceramics synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. The structure measurements indicate that all of the Gd_0.90A_0.10MnO₃ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) samples show a single phase structure, and the introduction of A²⁺ ion induces structure distortion. A²⁺ ions substitution increases the Mn⁴⁺ ion concentration in GMOs, but has no significant effect on the oxygen vacancy concentration. All samples with irregular grain shapes have dense microstructures, and A²⁺ ion substitution inhibits grain growth. Positron annihilation experimental results indicate that A²⁺ ion substitution can increase the vacancy size and concentration, while the vacancy concentration increases first and then decreases with increasing A²⁺ ion radius. The evolution of the temperature- and magnetic field-dependent magnetization curves shows that A²⁺ ion substitution could obviously affect the magnetic state of GMOs, and improve the magnetic transition temperature and magnetization of Gd_0.90A_0.10MnO₃. The dielectric measurements reveal that the A²⁺ ion substituted samples exhibit giant dielectric constant characteristics over a broad frequency range. It is found that the enhanced magnetization of Gd_0.90A_0.10MnO₃ has a close relationship with the vacancy concentration, and the giant dielectric constant behaviors in Gd_0.90A_0.10MnO₃ ceramics can be associated with the mixed-valent structure of Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺.     

Influence of the Eu substitution on the structure and magnetic properties of the Sr-hexaferrites

Europium (Eu)-substituted M-type strontium hexaferrites (SrEuM) have been synthesized successfully by using a solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure, valence state, element distribution and temperature-dependent magnetic properties are investigated systematically. The single-phase polycrystalline form of SrFe₁₂O₁₉ can be obtained until the substitution reached 0.10, as exhibited in XRD patterns. All samples display the hexagonal platelet-like shape, and the morphology becomes increasingly mellow and full with rising Eu substitution. A significant improvement of saturation magnetization (M_s) and intrinsic coercivity (H_c) at ultralow and room temperatures are achieved under the substitution effort. The origin of this behavior is explained fully from the occupancy and spin orbit in the hexagonal structure system. Moreover, the analysis of thermal characteristics indicates a superior performance in quality and thermal stability as reflected in DSC-TGA curves. SrEuM will be widely used in the magnetic field for the advantage of the high Curie temperature (T_c = 734K).     

Fe doping and magnetic properties of zincblende SiC ceramics

Fe-doped SiC bulk ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressing, and their magnetic and electronic properties were investigated. Si_1−xFe_xC (x ≤ 0.04) samples having a zincblende crystal structure exhibited ferromagnetic hysteresis at room temperature with the saturation magnetization increasing with x. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the creation of a Fe₃Si phase in the samples with its density increasing with x. The samples were found to be p-type semiconductors with a hole concentration (electrical resistivity) of ∼10¹⁹ cm⁻³ (∼10⁰ Ω cm) at room temperature. The observed magnetic properties of the samples are mainly ascribed to the presence of ferromagnetic Fe₃Si crystallites. The high carrier concentration of the samples likely implies the existence of acceptors due to individual Fe³⁺ occupation of the Si sites in the lattice. The randomly distributed Fe³⁺ ions represent a minor contribution to the magnetization of the samples through the formation of magnetic polarons with the carriers.     

Structural disorder effect on the structural and magnetic properties of Pr0.4Re0.1Sr0.5−yBayMnO3 manganites (Re = Pr,Sm, Eu,Gd, Dy and Ho)

The influence of the A-site cation size-disorder σ² on the structural and magnetic properties of the polycrystalline Pr_0.4Re_0.1Sr_0.5−yBa_yMnO₃ (Re = Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy and Ho) samples with a constant average ionic radius <r_A> = 1.2445 Å, is investigated. All samples were synthesized using the solid-state reaction. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns shows that the substitution generates a structural transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic symmetry. The temperature dependence of magnetization indicates a weakening of ferromagnetism by the increase of σ². The large difference between the field cooled and zero field cooled magnetization below Curie temperature suggests the presence of an inhomogeneous mixture of a ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic domains at low temperature. The maximum of the magnetic entropy change decreases with increasing the mismatch effect. However, several peculiarities were observed in the magnetic behavior indicating that σ² is not the only factor controlling the physical properties; the nature and the magnetic moment of the substituent should be taken in consideration.     

Morphological effect of oscillating magnetic nanoparticles in killing tumor cells

Forced oscillation of spherical and rod-shaped iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via low-power and low-frequency alternating magnetic field (AMF) was firstly used to kill cancer cells in vitro. After being loaded by human cervical cancer cells line (HeLa) and then exposed to a 35-kHz AMF, MNPs mechanically damaged cell membranes and cytoplasm, decreasing the cell viability. It was found that the concentration and morphology of the MNPs significantly influenced the cell-killing efficiency of oscillating MNPs. In this preliminary study, when HeLa cells were pre-incubated with 100 μg/mL rod-shaped MNPs (rMNP, length of 200 ± 50 nm and diameter of 50 to 120 nm) for 20 h, MTT assay proved that the cell viability decreased by 30.9% after being exposed to AMF for 2 h, while the cell viability decreased by 11.7% if spherical MNPs (sMNP, diameter of 200 ± 50 nm) were used for investigation. Furthermore, the morphological effect of MNPs on cell viability was confirmed by trypan blue assay: 39.5% rMNP-loaded cells and 15.1% sMNP-loaded cells were stained after being exposed to AMF for 2 h. It was also interesting to find that killing tumor cells at either higher (500 μg/mL) or lower (20 μg/mL) concentration of MNPs was less efficient than that achieved at 100 μg/mL concentration. In conclusion, the relatively asymmetric morphological rod-shaped MNPs can kill cancer cells more effectively than spherical MNPs when being exposed to AMF by virtue of their mechanical oscillations.     

Nb5+ ion substitution assisted the magnetic and gyromagnetic properties of NiCuZn ferrite for high frequency LTCC devices

Nowadays, developing nickle zinc ferrites with excellent magnetic and gyromagnetic properties are of great importance for solving the matching problem of 5G communication system. However, much is discussed about soft magnetic properties, but little is reported gyromagnetic properties that is critical for microwave device applications. Herein, Nb⁵⁺ ions substituted Ni_0.29Cu_0.18Zn_0.53Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x = 0.00-0.05), possessing high saturation magnetization, approriate initial permeability, high cut-off frequency and low ferromagnetic resonance linewidth (@9.55 GHz), were synthesized by low-temperature firing (900 °C). The phase structure and morphology evolutions were studied in detail. The results of morphology observations revealed that Nb⁵⁺ substitution has significant role in determining produce compact and uniform microstructures of NiCuZn ferrites via suppress the grain growth, which further corresponding enhance the magnetic and gyromagnetic properties. As a result, a uniform and compact grain size can be obtained, corresponding to the change of magnetic and gyromagenetic properties have different trends. Enhanced magnetic and gyromagnetic performance including high initial permeability (μ' = 203 @1 MHz), saturation magnetization (4πM_s = 3966 Gauss) and low ferromagnetic resonance linewidth (ΔH = 203 Oe) of the NiCuZn ferrites is achieved though adjusting Nb⁵⁺ ions substitution. More importantly, this work not only for low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology but also for high frequency and microwave frequency devices including phase shifter and radars.     

Structural,microstructural, and magnetic studies of Y3Fe5-xNixO12 garnet nanoparticles

This paper reports the structural and magnetic properties of a series of Y₃Fe_5-xNi_xO₁₂ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2) nanopowders synthesized by the citrate combustion method. We have discussed the change in different properties with the variation in calcination temperatures as well as the Ni ion substitution in yttrium iron garnet. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the desired garnet phase formation in all the calcined powders, and the crystallinity improved with an increase in calcination temperature. The crystallite sizes were observed in the range 47–52 nm and 84–94 nm for the samples calcined at 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed that the grains were in the nanometre range (132–170 nm) at 800 °C and increased (351–363 nm) at 1000 °C. Larger grains at high calcination temperature resulted in the enhanced saturation magnetization and a decrease in coercivity. Curie temperature (T_c) was observed in the range 558–560 K for all the calcined Y₃Fe_5-xNi_xO₁₂ samples. Nickel substitution for iron sites in Y₃Fe_5-xNi_xO₁₂ decreased the saturation magnetization and enhanced the coercivity. This could be related to the substitution of Ni ions for tetrahedral iron sites, which changed the magnetic exchange interactions of different lattice sites. The magnetic anisotropy constant (K) increases with the enhancement of calcination temperature, whereas it decreases with nickel ion substitution in Y₃Fe_5-xNi_xO₁₂. This study suggests that the structural and magnetic properties can be tuned by Ni substitution for the Fe ions in Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ garnets at different calcination temperatures, which make them promising candidates for various technological applications.     

Establishment of a method to determine the magnetic particles in mouse tissues

This work is aimed to evaluate a method to detect the residual magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in animal tissues. Ferric ions released from MNPs through acidification with hydrochloric acid can be measured by complexation with potassium thiocyanate. MNPs in saline could be well detected by this chemical colorimetric method, whereas the detected sensitivity decreased significantly when MNPs were mixed with mouse tissue homogenates. In order to check the MNPs in animal tissues accurately, three improvements have been made. Firstly, proteinase K was used to digest the proteins that might bind with iron, and secondly, ferrosoferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) was collected by a magnetic field which could capture MNPs and leave the bio-iron in the supernatant. Finally, the collected MNPs were carbonized in the muffle furnace at 420°C before acidification to ruin the groups that might bind with ferric ions such as porphyrin. Using this method, MNPs in animal tissues could be well measured while avoiding the disturbance of endogenous iron and iron-binding groups.     

Structural,magnetic, and electrical evaluations of rare earth Gd3+ doped in mixed Co–Mn spinel ferrite nanoparticles

The controlled and stable crystal structure, reduction in Curie temperature and semiconducting nature of oxide materials are the key factors for magnetoelectrical applications. Therefore, Co_0.6Mn_0.4Gd_xFe_2-xO₄ where x = 0, 0.033, 0.066 and 0.10 were synthesized to analyse the structural, morphological, magnetic, and electrical properties using a sol-gel autocombustion approach. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that the cubic crystallite size decreases with increasing smaller content of Gd³⁺ oxides without any secondary phase. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) study explain the complete morphology, agglomeration and dense structure of rare earth-doped Gd oxide in the mixed Co–Mn spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirms the formation of a spinel structure with absorption bands below 1000 cm^?1. The magnetic analysis shows that the saturation magnetization (59.20 emu/g - 49.71 emu/g) and coercivity (985.21 Oe – 254.11 Oe) of the synthesized samples decreased with increasing content of Gd³⁺ ions. The increase in DC conductivity with increasing temperature verifies the semiconducting nature of the synthesized samples, and a higher DC conductivity of the Co_0.6Mn_0.4Gd_0.10Fe_1.90O₄(CMGF3) samples was observed at approximately 0.0362 S/cm at 973 K temperature.     

Structural and magnetic properties of LaVO3 - Absence of anomalous diamagnetism

The novel magnetic and structural properties of LaVO₃ have been studied in a comprehensive manner using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, electrical transport, and dc magnetization. The lattice parameters have been found to be larger than previously reported, indicating the possibility of a novel phase. For vanadium ions, the valence state is found to be in accordance with the expected value (+3), the effect of larger lattice parameters is also present in the X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurement. Magnetic transition due to the antiferromagnetic ordering of the vanadium sublattice is observed at 142 K (T_N). It undergoes a transition to a monoclinic crystal structure below 140 K (T_t). Negative magnetization (anomalous diamagnetism), which has been reported in earlier studies on the magnetic properties of LaVO₃, is not observed in the present study. In the M ? H isotherms, the ferromagnetic component of vanadium spins is absent. Below T_N, the estimated magnetic structure of vanadium sublattice from powder neutron diffraction measurements is C-type antiferromagnetic, which persists in the entire low temperature region. The observed novel structural phase gives rise to pure C-type antiferromagnetic arrangement without weak ferromagnetic component. Theoretical calculations have been carried out to understand the nature of the magnetic ground state.     

Influence of Co content on the characterization and magnetic properties of magnetite

Preparation of nanosized Co_xFe_3−xO₄; 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 particles from metal nitrates solution through citrate–precursor method was performed. XRD pattern of all prepared systems showed single phase with cubic spinel structure. The crystallite size was determined from TEM and found to agree with that calculated from Sherrer's equation (60–76 nm) The magnetic constants such as molar magnetic susceptibility (χ_M), Curie temperature (T_C) and saturation magnetization (M_S) were measured and the results indicated that, at x = 0.2 the values of χ_M, M_S, remanent magnetization (M_r,) and coercive field (H_c) are 23 emu/g mol, 77.62 emu/g, 33.17 emu/g and 574.5 Oe, respectively_.