Rare earth Gd3+ substituted on cobalt ferrites: Structural and dielectric studies by citrate gel autocombustion method

Abstract

Gadolinium-doped cobalt ferrite (CoGdxFe2-xO4; X = 0–0.025 in a 0.005 interval) was synthesised using citrate gel autocombustion. The effect of Gd3+ ions on structural, dielectric, and magnetic characteristics has been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV), an impedance (dielectric) analyzer, and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterise the as-synthesised materials. X-ray diffraction powder patterns were used to confirm phase identification and spinel structure, and the Williamson-Hall plot was used to investigate the crystalline size and lattice strain on the peak broadening of each sample, with crystalline size ranging from 13 to 48 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrate particle agglomeration, while energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) pictures indicate the purity and existence of all elements in the created material samples. The frequency-dependent dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC electrical conductivity in the frequency range 50 Hz–1 MHz. The behaviour of dielectric properties has been studied using the Maxwell-Wagner model and Koop's theory. Because of this, higher frequencies show less dielectric loss, making them appropriate for use in high-frequency device applications.