Structural,dielectric and magnetic properties of Bi–Mn doped SmFeO3

We have studied the structural, magnetic, dielectric and impedance properties of the Sm_1-xBi_xFe_1-yMn_yO₃ [SmFeO₃ (SFO), Sm_0.9Bi_0.1FeO₃ (SBFO), Sm_0.9Bi_0.1Fe_0.9Mn_0.1O₃ (SBFMO)] polycrystalline samples synthesized by solid-state reaction method. Rietveld refinement of room temperature (RT) powder x-ray diffraction pattern confirms the orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma/Pbnm space group. The average particle size of Bi doped and co-doped (Bi–Mn) samples determined from SEM analysis are 5.6 μm and 5.2 μm, respectively. Room temperature field-dependent magnetization increases, suggesting the presence of magnetic contribution due to the Rare earth-Fe ion interaction which persists even at RT. However, with co-doping of Bi and Mn, a decrease in magnetization is observed, which corresponds to the dilution of Fe³⁺-Fe³⁺ interactions due to the presence of Mn³⁺ ions. The observed values of magnetization at 90 kOe for Bi doped sample is (2.87 emu/g) approximately two times and for codoped (0.7 emu/g) sample is nearly half of that of pristine sample (1.51 emu/g). Dielectric measurements as a function of frequency/temperature and impedance analysis using equivalent circuit model reveal grain and grain boundary contributions of SBFO (at high temperature) and SBFMO (for all temperature) samples towards the electrical properties indicating the electrically heterogeneous nature of these samples. However, for SFO sample grain contribution is dominant. Observed value of dielectric constant varies from ~10³-10⁴ with Bi–Mn doping. The conduction mechanism of the studied samples has been explained by considering Jonscher power law. Arrhenius law fitting of AC conductivity data manifests two types of conduction mechanisms in these samples. The depressing nature of the semicircular arc observed in the Nyquist plot of all the samples indicates the presence of a non-Debye type of relaxation.     

Preparations and characterizations of Ca doped Ni–Mg–Mn nanocrystalline ferrites for switching field high-frequency applications

Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn spinel ferrites with compositions of Ni_0·5Mg_0·3Mn_0.2Ca_xFe_2-xO₄ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) were prepared via sol-gel auto-ignition technique. TGA/DTA, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and VSM were employed to evaluate the thermal, spectral, structural, morphological, and magnetic features of Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn spinel ferrites. TGA/DTA curves show the weight loss in the sample. This weight loss was attributed to the oxidation and decomposition of the sample contents at a temperature of 500 °C. XRD reveals a single-phase structure of the Ni–Mg–Mn nano ferrites. A single-phase orthorhombic structure was confirmed for Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn ferrites. Structural parameters such as lattice parameter, ‘da’, ‘db’, ‘dc’, and ‘dv’ were evaluated using unit cell software. The absorption peaks at 427 to 538 cm^?1 confirmed the spinel structure, which was evaluated using FTIR. FESEM analyses showed that the agglomerations increased with the doping of Ca in Ni–Mg–Mn ferrites. Remanence, Y–K angles, saturation, coercive force, magnetic squareness, magnetic moment, and anisotropy constant were determined for Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn spinel ferrite samples. It is noticed that saturation increases from 29.157 to 51.322 emu/g, whereas remanence increased from 5.34 to 9.40 emu/g, respectively. The permeability, anisotropy constant, and magnetic moments were also found to increase with Ca doping. However, the Y–K angles increased with Ca concentration in Ni–Mg–Mn nano ferrites. In addition, the switching field distribution (SFD) and high-frequency response of all the Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn samples were also evaluated. Ca-doped Ni–Mg–Mn samples are suggested to be suitable for switching, filters, inductors, and microwave absorption applications because of the superparamagnetic nature of the prepared spinel ferrites.     

Structural and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline zinc-doped metal ferrites (metal=Ni; Mn; Cu) prepared by sol–gel combustion method

In this work, nanocrystalline M–Zn ferrites (M=Ni; Mn; Cu) with compositions of M_1?xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x=0.0, 0.2 and 0.4) were synthesized from metal nitrate precursors by rapid the sol–gel combustion method using diethanolamine (DEA) as the fuel. As-synthesized powders were calcined at 1000 °C for 4 h. The crystal structures and morphologies of these compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. The chemical interaction of ferrite powders was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The magnetic properties of after-calcined nanoparticles were measured at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The single phase spinel cubic structure formation is confirmed by XRD and FTIR results. Meanwhile FE-SEM micrographs show the appearance of both undoped and Zn-doped ferrite ceramic samples. In addition, the VSM analyses indicate that the Zn content has a significant influence on the magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization (M_s) and coercivity (H_c).     

FTIR spectra and elastic properties of Cd-substituted Ni–Zn ferrites

Solid solutions Ni_0.5–x Cd _x Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.15, 0.30) were prepared by solid-state synthesis and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra of synthesized ferrites showed two absorption bands (ν₁ and ν₂) in the range 400–600 cm^–1 belonging to tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) interstitial sites in the spinel lattice. The force constants for tetrahedral (K _t) and octahedral sites (K _o) were determined, as well as Young’s modulus (E), rigidity modulus (G), bulk modulus (B), Debye temperature (Θ_D), and velocity of transverse (V _t) and longitudinal (V _l) elastic waves. The relevant interionic cation–anion, cation–cation distances and bond angles are also reported.     

Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of Ni–Zn–Mn spinel ferrites

A series of Ni_0·5?xZn_0·3?xMn_0·2+2xFe₂O₄ ferrites was successfully prepared by the sol–gel autocombustion method. The structure and electromagnetic properties of the powders were characterised by X-ray diffraction, SEM and vector network analysis. The pure powders were formed by heating at 1200°C for 3 h in air, and grain sizes increased as the amount of substitution ranged from x?=?0·0 to x?=?0·25. For samples with x?=?0·1, a minimum reflection loss of ?27·57 dB was observed at 11·0 GHz with the less than ?10 dB absorption bandwidth at 8·0 GHz with 3·8 mm thickness. The results indicate that substitution with Mn and Zn ions can greatly improve the microwave absorption properties of NiFe₂O₄ ferrites.     

Structural and magnetic properties of steel slag based glass–ceramics

Crystallisation of magnetite in multicomponent glass melts was investigated. Structural features and magnetic properties were tested using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope techniques, vibrating sample magnetometer and Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. The results show that the magnetite phase was detected in the glass–ceramic samples after heat treatment at higher crystallisation temperature (over 900°C). Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions contribute to the formation of magnetite crystal. Various crystal morphologies were observed. Isomer shift values suggest that Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ are in tetrahedral and octahedral coordination respectively. The saturation magnetisation tends to increase with the crystallisation temperature.     

Structural,optical, electrical,dielectric, molecular vibrational and magnetic properties of La3+ doped Mg–Cd–Cu ferrites prepared by Co-precipitation technique

Ferrites are among the most frequently investigated materials mainly due to interesting and practically different properties. Therefore, easily and cost-effective lanthanum doped Mg_0.5Cd_0.25Cu_0.25Fe_2-xLa_xO₄ (x = 0.0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.0375 and 0.05) ferrites were synthesized by a co-precipitation route, a comprehensive characterisation of their structural, optical, electric, dielectric, molecular vibrational, and magnetic properties were carried out. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel structure. Variations in frequency bands were also observed with amplification in optical band gap energy (2.95 – 3.38 eV) due to La³⁺ ions insertion. The electric resistivity had opposite trends at low and high temperatures with increasing La³⁺ content. The Curie temperature, activation energy, and drift mobility were also determined to have values consistent with the semiconducting behavior of the soft ferrites. The saturation magnetization (M_S) has a maximum value 49.385 emu/g with remanent magnetization (M_r) was 34.928 emu/g and coercivity 661.4 Oe for La³⁺ concentration x = 0.05. The minimum dielectric loss was observed for La³⁺ concentration x = 0.025. Moreover, the resistivity (ρ) has a maximum value of 7.95 × 10⁴ Ω cm for La³⁺ concentration x = 0.025. The calculated frequency range of La³⁺ doped Mg–Cd–Cu ferrites was detected in the microwave range (3.36 – 10.80 GHz), suggesting the potential application of the materials in longitudinal recording media and microwave absorbance.     

Structural,morphological, magnetic hysteresis and dielectric properties of cobalt substituted barium–lead hexagonal ferrites for technological applications

M-type, Ba_0.4Pb_0.6Fe_12-xCo_xO₁₉ (x = 0.00, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40) hexaferrites, synthesized using citrate gel auto combustion method, and heated at 950 °C, 4 h for lossless applications. XRD analysis shows the development of the M-phase, along with PbM and hematite. The microstructural analysis reveals the stacking clusters of hexagonally shaped platelets. TEM image and SAED pattern of x = 0.3 composition shows polycrystalline nature and formed particles observed to fused with neighbouring particles. M − H loops of all samples reveal hard magnetic behaviour and possess multi-domain structure. The maximum saturation magnetization of 55.427 A m²/kg is observed in x = 0.10 composition and coercivity of prepared hexaferrites was found to vary from 0.058 T to 0.390 T. The cobalt substitution has a strong influence on the dielectric properties of prepared hexaferrites. The value of ac conductivity increases with cobalt substitution from x = 0.00 to x = 0.10, and followed by a reduction from x = 0.10 to x = 0.40. The same trend is observed for the dielectric constant. The low value of loss tangent for all compositions shows apt scope for lossless application.     

Preparation and properties of sol–gel synthesized Mg-substituted Ni2Y hexagonal ferrites

A series of single phased Y-type hexagonal ferrites Sr₂Ni_2?xMg_xFe₁₂O₂₂ (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) were synthesized by the sol–gel auto combustion method. The effects on structural, magnetic and electrical properties have been investigated by substituting Mg²⁺ at Ni²⁺ sites. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm single phase Y-type hexaferrite and various parameters such as lattice constants, cell volume, X-ray density, bulk density and porosity have been calculated from XRD data. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show the characteristics absorption ferrite peaks of the sintered sample. The microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the ferrites show a hexagonal platelet-like shape which is a most suitable shape for microwave absorption. The dielectric constant followed the Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization and relaxation peaks were observed in the dielectric loss properties. The room temperature dc electrical resistivity and activation energy were found to decrease for samples x=0.1, 0.2 and increase for the rest of samples hence making these materials suitable for multilayer chip inductors (MLCIs). A soft magnetic behavior was revealed by M–H loops. Saturation magnetization (M_s), retentivity (M_r), coercivity (H_c) and magnetic moment (n_B) were found to decrease as the Mg²⁺ contents increased.     

A study of the structural and morphological properties of Ni–ferrite,Zn–ferrite and Ni–Zn–ferrites functionalized with starch

Zinc–ferrite, nickel–ferrite and mixed nickel–zinc ferrites were successfully synthesized via the thermal decomposition method from acetylacetonate complexes. To control the particle size and enhance dispersibility in an aqueous medium, starch, a natural and biocompatible compound, was used for the first time for coating such magnetic powders. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) was performed to study the structural properties of all samples. The presence of a single-phase spinel structure as well as the cation distribution in both sites of all investigated magnetic powders was confirmed. The values of unit cell parameters obtained from the results of the Rietveld analysis decreased, while the average crystallite size increased with increasing Ni²⁺ content. The average microstrain parameters unambiguously showed a change in the spinel structure with cation distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were also utilized to characterize the synthesized materials, corroborating the XRPD data. The obtained results indicated that functionalization by starch was successfully achieved.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Yb1−xSrxMnO3

The structural and magnetic properties of YbMnO₃ and Yb_0.82Sr_0.18MnO₃ multiferroics were studied by neutron powder diffraction (NPD), magnetometry and electron spin resonance (ESR) technics in a wide temperature range. Neutron diffraction measurements showed that the substitution of ytterbium ions with strontium ions in hexagonal h - YbMnO₃ (space group P6₃cm) leads to the destabilization of the crystal structure of the last compound and appearance of the mixture of three phases with different structure: hexagonal phase h - Yb_0.95Sr_0.05MnO₃ (space group P6₃cm), orthorhombic phase o - Yb_0.69Sr_0.31MnO₃ (space group Pbnm), hexagonal phase SrMnO₃ (space group P6₃cm). This fact was proved by the ESR measurements in which a several signals due to the phases of different structure were observed. NPD measurements showed that the magnetic structure of h - Yb_0.95Sr_0.05MnO₃ phase is similar to the magnetic structure of the pure h - YbMnO₃ and demonstrate the presence of the antiferromagnetic ordering in the samples. ESR and magnetization measurements of h - YbMnO₃ sample proved the presence of the antiferromagnetic correlations and also they showed the appearance of the ferromagnetically correlated nanoregions.     

Influence of B-site cations ordering on magnetization and dielectric relaxations in Li–Ni spinel ferrites

Ho-substituted Li–Ni ferrites with composition L i_1.2Ni_0.4Ho_xFe_2-xO₄; 0≤ x ≤ 0.15 were synthesized by a self-ignited sol-gel process. An annealing temperature of 950 °C is estimated via thermal-gravimetric (TGA) analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) scans have confirmed the formation of the ferrite phase with a spinel structure in all samples. Substitution of Ho ions on the B-site significantly reduced the porosity from 38 -to 23% and the crystallite size from 23.4 -to 21.7 nm. Microstructural analysis revealed a denser structure with an increase in Ho content. Dielectric results showed that both the dielectric loss and dielectric constant depict a nonlinear variation with the addition of Ho. Complex impedance behavior with a single semicircle for all samples suggests the predominant effect of the grain boundary mechanism. The substitution of Ho ions in place of Fe ions significantly decreased the electrical conductivity. The anisotropic Ho³⁺ ions reinforce the L-S coupling which consequently enhanced the coercive force from 145 -to 389 Oe, and thus the anisotropy constant.     

Structural,morphological and photocatalytic properties of Bi–Mg–Cu ferrites: Influence of the Bi: Fe ratio

Rhodamine B (RhB) dye is an exceedingly dangerous pollutant. So, this study described an effective synthesis of pure and Bi³⁺ doped Mg–Cu nanophotocatalysts (MCBF) to facilitate the disposal of this harmful pollutant. We studied their structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic degradation characteristics. The XRD results of all the prepared photocatalysts confirmed their spinel structure without any impurities. Three justifications for why the lattice parameters of these nanoferrites have a peculiar behavior. The crystallite size has unsteadied behavior; within the range of 29.75–44.87 nm, as determined by the Williamson-Hall approach. The lattice parameter has a distinctive behavior; decrement from 8.3168 Å for MCBF0 to 8.3037 Å for MCBF2 and increment for the nanoferrites MCBF3 (8.3448 Å) and MCBF4 (8.3852 Å) and decreased again for the nanoferrite MCBF5 (8.3448 Å). The STEM graphs demonstrated the agglomeration of nanosized, spherical, and homogeneous-shaped particles. The optical band energy of all the MCBF nanoferrites was in the visible light range of 2.009–2.031 eV. The nanoferrites MCBF0 and MCBF4 have the highest energy gap (2.031 eV), whereas the nanoferrite MCBF5 has the lowest (2.009 eV). Although the modification of the energy gap of MCBF nanoferrites by Bi doping was not large, the photocatalytic activity of MCBF nanophotocatalysts was improved by substituting bismuth ions. In particular, MCBF5, with the highest bismuth content, gave the supreme RhB degradation of 95.81%, with a higher ratio of 245.39% than the pure Mg–Cu ferrite sample. The MCBF5 catalyst showed excellent stability under visible light irradiation across all cycles, 95.81, 95.64, 95.28, 95.04, and 94.89%. Therefore, Mg_0·5Cu_0·5Bi_0·1Fe_1·9O₄ nanoferrite is a suitable option for RhB degradation under sunlight and may function as a likely catalyst in wastewater purification.     

Physical and magnetic properties of Mn–Zr doped La–Sr ferrite prepared by the auto-combustion route

This is the first report ever on (Mn²⁺–Zr⁴⁺) doped M-type lanthanum strontium hexaferrite with general formula, Sr_0.85La_0.15(MnZr)_xFe_12−2xO₁₉ where x=0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0, prepared by citrate auto-combustion method. These ferrites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). X-ray diffraction patterns show the formation of high purity hexaferrite phase without other secondary phases for all the synthesized samples. It was observed from magnetic hysteresis data that the coercive force is reduced from 5692.5 Oe to 1669.2 Oe with increase in doping contents but the net magnetization of the samples varies slightly from 60.6 to 55.2 emu/gm. High saturation magnetization (M_s), low coercivity (H_c) and remanence magnetization (M_r) values of these materials make them particularly suitable for data recording.     

Structural,magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of CoFe2−xMoxO4 (0.0≤x≤0.3) ferrites

We have investigated structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of CoFe_2-xMo_xO₄ (0.0≤x≤0.3) ferrites. Polycrystalline samples were prepared by the sol gel method and characterized by the powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns show that all samples have a cubic spinel structure and the lattice parameter, a, decreases monotonically with increase in Mo concentration. Scanning electron micrographs indicate that most of the particles are in the range of 400–850 nm size. Magnetic measurements, performed by using a cryogen free vibrating sample magnetometer, show that these samples are soft ferromagnets in the measured temperature range. The saturation magnetization, M_s, values of Mo-doped samples are larger than the parent compound with a maximum value of ~106 emu/g for x=0.2 sample. The magnetic entropy change (−ΔS) increases with increase in applied magnetic field and shows a peak in the vicinity of blocking temperature. A maximum value of 0.56 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 5 T field has been observed for x=0.2 sample.     

A comparative study of the magnetic and microwave properties of Al3+ and In3+ substituted Mg–Mn ferrites

The effect of substitution of diamagnetic Al³⁺ and In³⁺ ions for partial Fe³⁺ ions in a spinel lattice on the magnetic and microwave properties of magnesium–manganese (Mg–Mn) ferrites has been studied. Three kinds of Mg–Mn based ferrites with compositions of Mg_0.9Mn_0.1Fe₂O₄, Mg_0.9Mn_0.1Al_0.1Fe_1.9O₄, and Mg_0.9Mn_0.1In_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ were prepared by the solid-state reaction route. Each mixture of high-purity starting materials (oxide powders) in stoichiometric amounts was calcined at 1100 °C for 4 h, and the debinded green compacts were sintered at 1350 °C for 4 h. XRD examination confirmed that the sintered ferrite samples had a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The incorporation of Al³⁺ or In³⁺ ions in place of Fe³⁺ ions in Mg–Mn ferrites increased the average particle size, decreased the Curie temperature, and resulted in a broader resonance linewidth as compared to un-substituted Mg–Mn ferrites in the X-band. In this study, the In³⁺ substituted Mg–Mn ferrites exhibited the highest saturation magnetization of 35.7 emu/g, the lowest coercivity of 4.1 Oe, and the highest Q×f value of 1050 GHz at a frequency of 6.5 GHz.     

Comparative study of microwave absorption properties of Ni–Zn ferrites obtained from different synthesis technologies

Spinel ferrites are widely used for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption applications. In this study, spinel Ni–Zn ferrites with excellent microwave absorption properties were synthesized. Their EMW absorption characteristics and interaction mechanisms were studied to lay the foundation for the study of the role of Ni–Zn ferrite as a magnetic substrate for composites. Herein, Ni_0·5Zn_0·5Fe₂O₄ was prepared by the hydrothermal method (H-NZFO) and the sol–gel auto-combustion method (S-NZFO); both samples exhibited distinct microwave absorption properties. The S-NZFO absorber (thickness = 3.72 mm) demonstrated the best dual-zone microwave absorption with two strong reflection loss peaks at 5.1 and 10.5 GHz. The corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) reached 9.0 GHz, which covered part of the S-band and all of the C- and X-bands. These results were attributed to the high saturation magnetization, outstanding complex permeability, and multiple magnetic loss channels of S-NZFO. The H-NZFO sample exhibited excellent absorption capability and matching thickness. At a thickness as low as 1.71 mm, the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of the H-NZFO absorber reached -60.2 dB at 13.1 GHz. The maximum bandwidth corresponding to RL below -10 dB was 4.6 GHz. These results can be attributed to small particle size, high complex permittivity, and multiple dielectric loss channels of H-NZFO. The observed wide effective absorption bandwidth of S-NZFO and strong microwave absorption capability of H-NZFO suggest the potential of both materials as substrates for efficient microwave absorbers in military as well as civilian absorption applications.