Rare-earth (Eu3+) substitution impact on the structural, morphological, magneto-dielectric, and electrochemical properties of Cd0.45Co0.55Fe2−y Eu y O4 spinel nanoferrites

Abstract

A series of Cd0.45Co0.55Fe2−yEuyO4 (y = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) spinel nanoferrites (SNFs) were synthesized using a self-igniting process and employed as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The results demonstrated the formation of a single SNFs phase, as shown by the XRD data. The crystallite size lies between the range of 29.30–51.12 nm. The porosity percentage is within the range of 31.37%–32.99%. Rietveld refinement of XRD and Raman analysis revealed the pure spinel phase and no secondary phase was observed. The saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy were also decreased with the addition of Eu3+ in Cd–Co SNFs. The high coercive field was enhanced for Eu3+ doping as compared to pure Cd–Co SNFs. The dielectric constant was improved with the substitution of Eu3+ in Cd–Co SNFs. The dielectric tangent loss was reduced with the doping of Eu3+. The electrochemical performance of the Eu3+ doped Cd–Co SNFs achieved an impressive maximum specific capacitance at a lower scan rate. Based on these findings, the outstanding electrochemical performance of the Eu3+ doped Cd–Co SNFs suggests their potential as promising materials for high-frequency, magnetic ferrofluid, and supercapacitor electrodes.