Impact of Cd2+ substitution on the structural and magnetic peculiarities of MnZn nanospinel ferrites

In the present work, the synthesis of Mn0.5Zn0.5CdxFe2-xO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.5) nanoparticles (MnZnCd ferrite NPs) were achieved by sol-gel combustion approach. The results of the cadmium contribution on structural, morphological, and magnetic properties have been researched. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of nanocomposites confirmed the co-existence of cubic spinel ferrite phases. TEM images of the nanoparticles confirmed the cubical structure with agglomeration to a certain extent. The average particle size of the products was calculated as around 14 nm. Magnetic peculiarities of the MnZnCd ferrite NPs were assessed by using a VSM instrument at RT and 10 K. Samples showed ferromagnetic behavior at both measurement temperatures. The various magnetic parameters for the produced nanocomposites were determined. It is found that the magnetization value (M-s) increases for lower Cd2+ doping content and decreases afterward. The changes in magnetic parameters were ascribed to numerous factors like the distribution of cations, the A-B super-exchange interactions, and the purity of samples. Graphical abstract

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In this study, Mn0.5Zn0.5CdxFe2-xO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.5) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by sol-gel combustion approach, and the effects of cadmium on their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were investigated. It was found that the magnetization value of the nanoparticles increased with lower Cd2+ doping content and then decreased gradually.