“Study of structural, optical, morphology and magnetic properties of samarium doped magnesium nanoferrites (MgSmxFe2-xO4) using sol-gel auto-combustion method”

Abstract

The study presents a comprehensive report on Sm3+-doped magnesium ferrite (MgSmxFe2-xO4) and its properties across various x values (0.025, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, and 0.150). The study utilized multiple characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Thermogravimetry Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structural, magnetic, thermal, optical, and morphological properties of the material. The study determined various parameters, such as x-ray density, lattice constant, crystallite size, and radii on octahedral and tetrahedral sites. An increase in Sm3+ content resulted in an expansion of lattice parameters and a reduction in crystallite size, observed at 13.342 nm in single-phased samples. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed Sm3+ ion substitution in octahedral sites, while transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles. The UV–vis spectroscopy observed an increase in Sm3+ leads to a corresponding rise in the energy band gap values transitioning from 2.0864, 2.1090, 2.1410, 2.1517, and 2.1850 eV of x = 0.025 to 0.150 respectively. Magnetic measurements indicated decreased magnetization with doping, attributed to particle size dependence. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the magnetic properties and structural characteristics of Sm3+-doped magnesium ferrite nanomaterials, potentially advancing the development of advanced materials for diverse applications.