Tuning the magnetic properties of hard–soft Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe10Al2O19 and Ni0.1Co0.9Fe2O4 nanocomposites via one pot sol–gel auto combustion method for permanent magnet applications

Abstract

Permanent magnets generate magnetic fields that can be sustained when a reverse field is supplied. These permanent magnets are effective in a wide range of applications. However, strategic rare-earth element demand has increased interest in replacing them with huge energy product (BH)max. Exchange-coupled hard/soft ferrite nanocomposites have the potential to replace a portion of extravagant rare earth element-based magnets. In the present, we have reported the facile auto combustion synthesis of exchange-coupled Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe10Al2O19 and Ni0.1Co0.9Fe2O4 nanocomposites by increasing the content of soft ferrite over the hard from x = 0.1 to 0.4 wt%. The XRD combined with Rietveld analysis reflected the presence of hexaferrite and spinel ferrite without the existence of secondary phases. The absorption bands from the Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis proved the presence of M–O bonds in tetrahedral sites and octahedral sites. Rod and non-spherical images from TEM represent the hexaferrite and spinel ferrite. The smooth M–H curve and a single peak of the switching field distribution curve prove that the material has undergone a good exchange coupling. The nanopowders displayed an increase in saturation magnetization and a decrease in coercivity with the increases in the spinel content. The prepared nanocomposites were showing higher energy products. The composite with the ratio x = 0.2 displayed a higher value of (BH)max of 13.16 kJ m−3.