Tailoring magnetic and dielectric properties of Co0.9Cu0.1Fe2O4 with substitution of small fractions of Gd3+ ions

Abstract

This paper describes the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Gd3+ substituted cobalt–copper ferrite. The influence of Gd3+ substitution on the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of cobalt–copper ferrite was investigated through various characterization techniques. Thermal analysis was carried out on the prepared gel to know the combustion and calcination temperature. The detailed structural analysis suggests that the substitution of a Fe3+ ion with a Gd3+ ion at B site results in lattice distortion, modification in crystallite size and grain size of the material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the oxidation states of the elements present. Magnetic measurement performed at 300 and 50 K depicts the decrease in saturation magnetization (Ms) and increase in coercivity (Hc) with Gd3+ substitution in the cobalt–copper spinel ferrite. The dielectric measurements acquired over a wide range of frequencies and temperature showed an increase in dielectric constant with increasing Gd3+ concentration.