Impact of the Mg/Zn ratio on features of structural and magnetic properties in A-site stoichiometric nanosized spinel ferrites

Abstract

The research delves into successfully creating Mg1−xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles, where 0.0 ≤x ≤ 1.0 was achieved via an amalgamation of the citrate precursor methodology. Fundamental structural properties were delineated through the deployment of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The outcomes depict the synthesized ferrite samples as nanocrystalline, possessing a singular phase composition devoid of any alien phases. The lattice constants were found to be consistent with the Mg/Zn ratio in samples containing Mg, underpinned by the average ionic radius of the A-site ions. The unit cell parameters showed a direct, linear rise with rising concentrations of Zn2+ ions, substantiating Vegard's rule. The magnetic properties were investigated using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) across various magnetic field strengths. The primary magnetic parameters were established, and their behavior was comprehensively elucidated. The introduction of zinc was observed to increase Fe3+ ions on the B-sites, peaking in the x = 0.3 sample. This led to an upsurge in the B-site magnetization while concurrently causing a reduction in A-site magnetization, as per the decrease in Fe3+ ions on the A-sites. As a result, an overall increment in the sample magnetization was observed. In contrast, a diminishing magnetic moment (µB) beyond x > 0.3 alludes to the potential presence of a non-collinear spin canting effect within the system.