Optimization of structural, dielectric, and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline copper doped spinel ferrites

Abstract

Copper-substituted spinel ferrites with nominal composition Ca0.5Ba0.5-xCuxFe2O4 (x = 0.00, 0.125, 0.250, 0.350, 0.500) were successfully prepared by the sol–gel auto combustion route. The fabricated Nano-ferrites underwent a five-hour annealing process at 800 °C in a furnace. By the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and dielectric measurements, the structural and electrical behavior of Ca0.5Ba0.5-xCuxFe2O4 nanoparticles were examined. Formations of a single-phase cubic structure of all prepared samples were estimated by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystallite size ranges from 37.43 to 50.07 nm. With the addition of Cu2+ cation, the lattice parameter, dielectric characteristics, and magnetic parameters were enhanced. It was observed that dielectric properties were improved significantly with the doping of copper. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were found to decrease at high frequencies. On the other hand, an increase in AC conductivity was observed with increasing frequency by Maxwell Wagner and Koop's models. The VSM study confirms the improved magnetic properties of the sample. Remanent magnetization, saturation magnetization, and coercivity were improved significantly with the doping of copper cation. Based on these improved dielectric and magnetic characteristics, the prepared materials are strongly recommended for different electronic components and energy storage devices.