Elaboration and Experimental Investigation of Zn-Ni-Co Spinel Ferrite Multi-doped Rare-Earth (Gd, Er, and Sm) Prepared by Coprecipitation Method

For the first time, rare-earth multi-doped Zn-Ni-Co spinel ferrite nanoparticles Zn0.2Ni0.3Co0.5Fe(2-x-y-z)ErxGdySmzO4 (x = 0.1, y = 0.2, z = 0.1) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method in this paper. The thermal behavior of the obtained precipitate (uncalcined powder) was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. A single phase with space group Fd (3) over barm was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the average crystallite size was found to be 16 nm. The estimation of the cationic distribution indicates a mixed spinel structure. The effect of the rare-earth elements on the nanoparticles' morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Magnetic measurements were performed at three different temperatures 5, 80, and 300 K, and show a superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 21 emu/g at room temperature and a ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K. The saturation magnetization value obtained was interpreted by exchange interactions due to the presence of rare-earth elements in our structure. Therefore, the nanoparticles prepared in this work may be promising candidates for practical applications such as high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression, electronics, communication, and future gigahertz antenna applications.

Automated summary

In this study, rare-earth multi-doped Zn-Ni-Co spinel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized and their thermal behavior, crystal structure, morphology, and magnetic properties were investigated. The results showed that these nanoparticles exhibited excellent magnetic properties, making them potential candidates for applications in high-frequency electromagnetic interference suppression, electronics, communication, and gigahertz antenna.