Unveiling the potential of Dy+3 substituted Ni-Zn ferrites: A study of physical, magnetic, dielectric, and microwave properties

Abstract

Utilizing microwave ferrites as primary materials holds great potential for high-frequency and high-power devices, opening up exciting possibilities for their application in such systems (circulators, phase shifters). The physical, magnetic, dielectric, and microwave properties of Ni0.5‒xDyxZn0.5Fe2O4; x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 (DNZF) are thoroughly investigated in the present study. XRD analysis confirms the presence of a distinct cubic spinel structure without additional phases. Dy substitution influences lattice constant and crystallite size, showing a clear correlation. Raman spectroscopy reveals a decline in peak intensity and a shift towards lower wavenumbers, indicating changes in cationic distribution upon Dy substitution. Surface morphology analysis shows an increase in average particle size as Dy substitution inhibits grain growth. XPS analysis indicates partial reduction, transforming Fe³⁺ into Fe²⁺. Saturation magnetization initially increases with Dy concentration, reaching a peak value of 69 emu/g at x = 0.02, and then decreases due to the effect of Dy's atomic size on magnetic moments. Real permittivity (ε') and loss tangent (tan δ) initially increase, reaching maximum values at x = 0.02, but decrease with higher Dy concentrations (x>0.04). The Nyquist plot analysis reveals that grain boundary resistance contributes significantly to the overall resistance. Permeability and permittivity analysis in the frequency range of 12.4 - 18 GHz (Ku band) demonstrates that both real and imaginary components of permittivity decrease with Dy substitution. These findings suggest promising prospects for the utilization of Dy-doped Ni-Zn ferrites in high-frequency devices like circulators and phase shifters, indicating their suitability for such applications.