Synthesis of neodymium-doped barium nanoferrite: Analysis of structural, optical, morphological, and magnetic properties

Neodymium (Nd3+)-doped barium nanoferrite was synthesized by sonochemical method. The cation distribution of BaFe2O4 (BFO) nanoferrite is modified by doping of Nd3+ ions with different compositions (0 <= x <= 0.1; Delta x = 0.025). Distinct changes in Raman active modes in the synthesized BaNdxFe2-xO4 nanoferrites were observed with a different composition of Nd3+ substitution. The elemental state of oxidation in the synthesized BaNdxFe2-xO4 nanoferrites was investigated. Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated that the bandgap energy increases from 3.40 to 3.74 eV with an increase in Nd3+ concentration from 0 to 0.10. The dielectric constant values decreased with the addition of Nd3+ content. Room temperature hysteresis magnetic loop of the pure and Nd-doped BFO nanoferrites indicated that the saturation magnetization decrease with the addition of Nd3+ in BFO nanoferrites.