Rare Earth Neodymium Research Articles

Manipulating photoluminescence properties of neodymium-doped fluorites through local structure regulation

The long upper level lifetimes are highly advantageous for laser diode pumped high energy laser systems. However, lifetimes of the rare earth neodymium ions, one of the most important active ions in 1 μm, are generally around 300 μs or less, which limits the development of laser diode pumped high energy lasers on neodymium gains. In this work, Nd:CaF2 and Nd:SrF2 were chosen and introduced with appropriate codopants to adjust the local structures, thereby modulating the coupling of active ions with the crystal fields. The transition rate was slowed down and a long lifetime nearly 600 μs was obtained. Neodymium-doped fluorites with broad emission bandwidths and high thermal conductivities are potential laser gains for generation of high repetition rate high power lasers.

Effect of rare earth ions on the optical and electronic properties of defect chalcopyrite: Experimental and theoretical investigation

The present research is a systematic experimental and computational study focused on structural, electronic, and optical properties of ZnGa2S4 doped with neodymium rare earth ions for the first time. High-intensity, narrow-band luminescence peaks are observed in the visible and infrared regions by doping the matrix with Nd ions. These peaks in the background of the broadband spectrum are due to intercenter 4f-4f transitions of Nd3+ ions. The fact that the Raman peaks of the alloy crystal are more intense than that of the pure crystal confirms that the neodymium does not move freely in the lattice and occupies the place of defects. This confirms the results from our X-ray structural analysis. The crystal lattice parameters of the studied materials were determined as follows: a = 5.496 Å, c = 10.99 Å, c/a = 2. To explain the electronic, optical and magnetic properties, using ATK-DFT method, electronic energy band structure, density of states and optical spectrum for pure and doped with ZnGa2S4:Nd compound are computed and discussed. DFT result shows that impurity Nd leads to a decreased bandgap of ZnGa2S4 due to the hybridization of Nd-4d with S-3p orbital in the forbidden gap. The peaks in the optical spectrum are shifted toward the lower energy range for doped supercell.

Significantly enhanced corrosion resistance for Fe-based amorphous coatings via sealing treatment: Based on hybridisation and superhydrophobicity strategy

Based on the synergistic effect of hybridisation-superhydrophobicity, a simple and facile spraying method was used to achieve efficient sealing of Fe-based amorphous metallic coatings. In this paper, we employed rare-earth neodymium salts as inorganic sealant raw materials and loaded low surface energy fluorosilanes into epoxy resins to act as organic sealant raw materials. The surface structure and chemical composition of the sealing coatings were systematically characterised. The sealing mechanism as well as the anti-corrosion mechanism of the coating were investigated intensively. The results indicate that the superior corrosion resistance and self-cleaning ability of the sealed coating stems from the inorganic–organic-complex trinity effect: the corrosion inhibition effect of Nd oxide deposited during the inorganic sealing process, the shielding effect of the resin in the organic sealing, and the cross-linking and superhydrophobicity behaviour (liquid repellency effect) of the FDTES-Nd3+-Fe2+ complexes formed on the surface of the coating. This work provides valuable guidelines and insights for the design of subsequent corrosion-resistant and sealing coating.

Efficient Capture and Release of the Rare-Earth Element Neodymium in Aqueous Solution by Recyclable Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Rare-earth elements (REEs) are present in a broad range of critical materials. The development of solid adsorbents for REE capture could enable the cost-effective recycling of REE-containing magnets and electronics. In this context, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising candidates for REE adsorption due to their exceptionally high surface area. Despite having attractive physical properties, COFs are heavily underutilized for REE capture applications due to their limited lifecycle in aqueous acidic environments, as well as synthetic challenges associated with the incorporation of ligands suitable for REE capture. Here, we show how the Ugi multicomponent reaction can be leveraged to postsynthetically modify imine-based COFs for the introduction of a diglycolic acid (DGA) moiety, an efficient scaffold for REE capture. The adsorption capacity of the DGA-functionalized COF was found to be more than 40 times higher than that of the pristine imine COF precursor and more than four times higher than that of the next-best reported DGA-functionalized solid support. This rationally designed COF has appealing characteristics of high adsorption capacity, fast and efficient capture and release of the REE ions, and reliable recyclability, making it one of the most promising adsorbents for solid-liquid REE ion extractions reported to date.

Investigating Enhanced Microwave Absorption of CNTs@Nd0.15-BaM/PE Plate via Low-Temperature Sintering and High-Energy Ball Milling.

Composite plates comprising a blend of rare earth neodymium-(Nd) doped M-type barium ferrite (BaM) with CNTs (carbon nanotubes) and polyethylene WERE synthesized through a self-propagating reaction and hot-pressing treatment. The plates' microscopic characteristics were analyzed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analytical techniques. Their microwave absorption performance within the frequency range of 8.2 to 18 GHz was assessed using a vector network analyzer. It showed that CNTs formed a conductive network on the surface of the Nd-BaM absorber, significantly enhancing absorption performance and widening the absorption bandwidth. Furthermore, dielectric polarization relaxation was investigated using the Debye theory, analyzing the Cole-Cole semicircle. It was observed that the sample exhibiting the best absorbing performance displayed the most semicircles, indicating that the dielectric polarization relaxation phenomenon can increase the dielectric relaxation loss of the sample. These findings provide valuable data support for the lightweight preparation of BaM-based absorbing materials.

Research of miR-29a on TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in pulmonary fibrosis induced by neodymium oxide

Objective: To exploring the regulatory effect of miR-29a on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) /Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) pathway during the process of rare earth neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: In March 2021, 72 SPF grade C57/BL6J male mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group, Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group, with 18 mice in each group. The Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group were treated with non exposed tracheal instillation, with a dust concentration of 250 mg/ml and a dust volume of 0.1 ml. The control group was given the same volume of physiological saline. After exposure to Nd(2)O(3), 0.1 ml (5 nmol) of miR-29a agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group every 3 days, while 0.1 ml of NC agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group. On the 7 th, 14 th, and 28 th days after dust exposure, 6 mice were killed in each group, and the lung tissue of the mice was taken out. HE staining was used to observe the pathological status of the mouse lung tissue; ELISA method was used to detect the levels of TGF-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in lung tissue; Use qRT-PCR detection method to detect the expression level of TGF-β1 mRNA; Using immunofluorescence assay to detect the expression level of Smad3 in mouse lung tissue; Use bioinformatics websites such as TargetScan7 and miRDB to predict the target gene of miR-29a. When the metrological date were satisfied with normal distribution, Mean±SD was used for comparison between groups, t test was used for two indepent samples, and LSD method was used when the variance was homogeneity in pairwise comparison. Results: HE staining showed that the Nd(2)O(3) group of mice showed obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and structural disorder of alveoli in the early stage of lung tissue. At 28 days, the collagen fibers in the mouse lung tissue increased and the lung tissue showed fibrotic honeycomb like changes. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group of mice was significantly reduced; The content of TGF-β1 and CTGF in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The relative expression level of TGF-β1 in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The expression level of Smad3 in the nucleus of the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that of the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05). The prediction results of bioinformatics websites have found 152 downstream target genes related to miR-29a, among which FBN1, MAP2K6, KPNB1, COL1A2, SNIP1, LAMC1, and SP1 genes may be related to the regulatory effect of miR-29a on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: miR-29a may affect lung fibrosis induced by rare earth Nd(2)O(3) exposure in mice by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-29a may inhibit TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduce the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Effect of neodymium on the thermal stability of precipitation morphology

The present study investigated the effect of the rare earth element neodymium (Nd) on the strengthening mechanism and precipitation morphology high-temperature stability of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr aluminum alloy. By using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hardness, and tensile testing, the following conclusions were drawn after thermal exposure of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu samples at three different temperatures: (i) the addition of Nd resulted in the presence of more substructures and fine equiaxed grains within the alloy, (ii) Nd effectively inhibited the growth of precipitates, retained more strengthening phases, and exhibited improved stability at high temperatures, (iii) Nd-added alloy maintained high hardness (160.8 HV) and strength (482.3 MPa) at 135 °C, which was attributed to the presence of thermally stable nano-scale Al3Nd particles which hindered dislocation movement. In summary, the Nd-added alloy demonstrated an enhanced thermal stability at 135 °C.

RNA-Seq Analysis of Testes from Mice Exposed to Neodymium Oxide.

(1) Objective: Rare earth neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) is refined and used extensively around the world, and the occupational and environmental safety of rare piles of the earth has attracted considerable attention. Nd2O3 enters the human body through the respiratory system, reaches various organs through blood circulation, and accumulates to produce toxic effects. At present, little is known about the reproductive toxicity of Nd2O3. Non-coding RNAs participate in a variety of physiological activities and are very important for spermatogenesis. However, it is unknown whether they are involved in Nd2O3-induced reproductive toxicity. Therefore, we conducted a pathological analysis, sperm quality testing, and RNA-seq on the testicular tissue of mice exposed to Nd2O3 to find the key genes and regulatory pathways of male reproductive damage and explore the early biomarkers and mechanisms of reproductive damage caused by Nd2O3. (2) Methods: After exposure of mice to Nd2O3, we carried out a pathological analysis and RNA-seq analysis for miRNAs/lncRNAs/circRNAs/mRNAs on the testicular tissue of mice, and the total RNAs were used to investigate miRNA/lncRNA/circRNA/mRNA expression profiles by strand-specific RNA sequencing at the transcriptome level to help uncover RNA-related mechanisms in Nd2O3-induced toxicity. (3) Results: Nd2O3 damaged testis and sperm morphology, significantly decreased the number of sperm, and deformed the sperm head and tail. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression level of mRNA/miRNA/circRNA/lncRNA in the testicular tissue of mice exposed to Nd2O3 is abnormal. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis demonstrated that the functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their target genes was closely related to the related pathway of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, some miRNAs/lncRNAs/circRNAs that were greatly upregulated or inducibly expressed, implying their potential value as candidate markers for Nd2O3-induced reproductive toxicity, help us to further investigate the mechanisms of key genes, key signaling pathways, and inter-gene regulation for Nd2O3-induced reproductive toxicity. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first database of a Nd2O3-induced transcriptome. This information is useful for the development of biomarkers of Nd2O3-induced reproductive injury and promotes understanding of the reproductive toxicity mechanism of Nd2O3.

Investigations on electric properties and domain structures of Nd-doped 0.70Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.30PbTiO3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with high piezoelectric properties

Although rare earth neodymium (Nd) doping is common in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) single crystals, it is rarely reported in PMN–PT ceramics. To explore the effect of Nd doping on PMN–PT ceramics, PMN–30PT:xNd3+ (x = 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were fabricated using a solid-state method via two-step sintering. An enhanced piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) of ~870 pC/N and a high piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33⁎) of ~1025 pm/V were achieved for x = 2%. Through Rayleigh analysis of polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis loops under small electric fields, it was found that the dielectric property was mainly influenced by the intrinsic contribution (local lattice distortion). Furthermore, by investigating domain configurations, high piezoelectric properties were found to be associated with the domain size reduction and local structural heterogeneity. The results indicate that the PMN–30PT:xNd3+ ceramics is a promising material for electronic devices, and that rare earth Nd doping is an efficient strategy for improving the electronic performance of Pb-based relaxor ferroelectrics.

Effect of Permanent Magnet Structure on Working Characteristics of LSPMSM 3000 rpm

Reducing the cost of electricity to improve production efficiency is one of the urgent tasks. Nowadays, the rapid development of Neodymium rare earth (NdFeB) permanent magnet technology has promoted the creation of high-efficiency motors to replace low-efficiency induction motors to save electricity. One of them is a line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM). The permanent magnet configuration significantly affects the operating characteristics of the LSPMSM, such as working current characteristics, pulsating torque, working efficiency, and starting speed. The content of the article focuses on investigating and evaluating some permanent magnet configurations affecting the working characteristics of the LSPMSM based on the finite element method through Ansys/Maxwell software. The research results are suggested for the design and manufacture of LSPMSM used in mining to save electricity.

Long-term effect of light rare earth element neodymium on Anammox process

During the mining of rare earth minerals, the application of neodymium-containing manures, and the treatment of spent neodymium iron boron magnet, the generation of ammonia wastewater containing neodymium is increasing. Thus, the effects of neodymium (Nd(III)) on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) were investigated from the aspects of performance, kinetics, statistics, microbial community and sludge morphology, and the recovery strategy of EDTA-2Na wash was discussed. The nitrogen removal efficiency of the Anammox reactor decreased significantly and eventually collapsed at the Nd(III) dosing levels of 20 and 40 mg L−1, respectively. And the toxicity of Nd(III) to AnAOB was determined by the amount internalized into the cells. The EDTA-2Na wash successfully increased the total nitrogen removal rate (TNRR) of Nd(III)-inhibited Anammox to 41.60% of its initial value within 30 days, and the modified Boltzmann model accurately simulated this recovery process. The transient and extended effects of Nd(III), self-recovery, and EDTA-2Na wash on Anammox were effectively assessed using a one-sample t-test. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that Nd(III) remarkably decreased the relative abundance of Planctomycetes and Candidatus Brocadia. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed crystal-like neodymium particles on the surface of Anammox sludge. The above-mentioned results demonstrate that the concentration of Nd(III) should be below the toxicity threshold (20 mg L−1) when treating ammonia wastewater containing neodymium by Anammox, and also emphasize the importance of an appropriate recovery strategy.

Neodymium affects the generation of reactive oxygen species via GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling in the gill of zebrafish

Rare earth element neodymium (Nd) is widely used in industry and agriculture, which may result in the pollution of aquatic environment. In this study, we exposed zebrafish with 10, 50, and 100 μg/L Nd for four weeks. The results showed that Nd could be accumulated in fish gill and Nd accumulation affected the equilibrium of nutrient elements. Nd decreased the antioxidant enzymes’ activity and gene expression level, but enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, various concentration of Nd treatments inhibited Nrf2 signaling in gill. To examine the critical role of GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling on ROS generation under Nd stress, we further interfered gsk-3β gene in zebrafish under 100 μg/L Nd exposure. The result showed that gsk-3β gene interference induced Nrf2 signaling as well as the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in fish gill. In all, Nd could be accumulated in fish gill, and the signaling of GSK-3β/Nrf2 was involved in regulating ROS generation under Nd treatments.

In situ optical and structural properties of the thermochromic material Nd2MoO6

The reversible thermochromic inorganic material of rare earth neodymium molybdate Nd2MoO6 was synthesized by solid state reaction. In the temperature range of 30–300 ℃, the color of the sample changed reversibly from light blue to green. In-situ UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis DRS), in-situ powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in-situ Raman spectroscopy were used to study the mechanism of the reversible thermochromism of the materials. In-situ XRD shows that there is no phase transition during heating and cooling. With the increase in temperature, the lattice of the sample expands anisotropically. The lattice extension leads to a change in the ligand field environment around the Nd-O polyhedra, which affects the absorption intensity of the UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, leading to a change in color. The distorted lattice returns to its initial state after cooling to room temperature.

Magnetic and optical properties of Nd/TiO2- rGO nanocomposites

Graphene, the thinnest 2-dimensional atomic material, is successively used as a composite material has it significantly improves optical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Neodymium being a strong paramagnetic substance is capable of storing large amount of magnetic energy because of their greater number of unpaired electrons in their electron orbital structure. This paper focuses on the influence of graphene on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of rare earth neodymium (Nd) doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Nd doped TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets forming the nanocomposites by hydrothermal treatment. The nano size, structure and phase of the composites are analysed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Dispersion of pure TiO2 and Nd/TiO2 nanoparticles on the rGO sheets is studied with FESEM and HRTEM micrographs alongside the elemental composition confirmed by EDAX. Increased surface area and pore size analysis is revealed by BET isotherms and BJH data. Absorption edges are blue shifted owing to particle size and experimental conditions. PL and EPR spectra confirm the presence of paramagnetic defect centres in the nanocomposites. The M − H hysteresis curves of the composites reveal the ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature.

Clinical effect of magnetic compression anastomosis on ureterostenosis after kidney transplantation.

Clinical effect of magnetic compression anastomosis on ureterostenosis after kidney transplantation.

Influence of magnetization of water on mechanical and durability properties of fly ash concrete

This study looked at the effects of magnetic water and fly ash on the mechanical and durability characteristics of concrete. To estimate the effect of magnetization on the properties of water, Numerous experiments on treated and untreated water, such as “pH, acidity, alkalinity, chlorides, and total solids”, have been carried out with the assistance of a neodymium rare earth magnet with a strength of 1.5 Tesla. Fly ash has been replaced with cement in weight amounts of 10, 20, 30, and 40%. Moreover, the present study investigated the “compressive strength, split tensile strength, water absorption, sorptivity and corrosion resistance tests” of concrete mixes after 28 days of curing. It was discovered that including magnetized water in the concrete mix has shown an increase of 38.46% in compressive strength and that the optimal proportion of fly ash is 30%. Similarly, the magnetized water in concrete has the potential to really boost the durability of concrete.

The role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway in liver injury induced by rare earth neodymium oxide in mice

Objective: To investigate the role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in liver injury induced by neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) in mice. Methods: In March 2021, forty-eight SPF grade healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group (0.9% NaCl), low dose group (62.5 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), medium dose group (125.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), and high dose group (250.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), each group consisted of 12 animals. The infected groups were treated with Nd(2)O(3) suspension by non-exposed tracheal drip and were killed 35 days after dust exposure. The liver weight of each group was weighed and the organ coefficient was calculated. The content of Nd(3+) in liver tissue was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). HE staining and immunofluorescence was used to observe the changes of inflammation and nuclear entry. The mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in mice liver tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of Keap1 and HO-1. The contents of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were detected by colorimetric method. The contents of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The data was expressed in Mean±SD. Two-independent sample t-test was used for inter-group comparison, and one-way analysis of variance was used for multi-group comparison. Results: Compared with the control group, the liver organ coefficient of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the Nd(3+) accumulation in liver of mice in all dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathology showed that the structure of liver lobules in the high dose group was slightly disordered, the liver cells showed balloon-like lesions, the arrangement of liver cell cords was disordered, and the inflammatory exudation was obvious. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue of mice in all dose groups were increased, and the levels of TNF-α in liver tissue of mice in high dose group were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Keap1 in high dose group were significantly decreased, while the mRNA expression level of Nrf2, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and Nrf2 was successfully activated into the nucleus. Compared with the control group, the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and T-SOD in high dose group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: A large amount of Nd(2)O(3) accumulates in the liver of male mice, which may lead to oxidative stress and inflammatory response through activation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. It is suggested that Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway may be one of the mechanisms of Nd(2)O(3) expose-induced liver injury in mice.

Anchored lithium-rich manganese nanoparticles boosting Nd-BiVO4 photoanode for efficient solar-driven water splitting

The recombination rate of electron-hole pairs is much faster than the process of hole capture-electron transfer, which is an important reason for limiting the large-scale application of BiVO4 photoanode. Here, we have prepared a new LMNCO-Nd-BiVO4 photoanode using the rare earth element neodymium (Nd) as a dopant and loaded with the lithium-rich manganese material Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (LMNCO) as a co-catalyst. The new photoanode exhibited excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation performance and high stability. The photocurrent density reached 2.7 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is 2.8 times than bare BiVO4. A series of characterizations demonstrated that Nd doping increases carrier concentration, reduces impedance. The nickel of LMNCO co-catalyst played the role of hole extraction, while cobalt played the active site. With the synergistic effect of nickel and cobalt, the photogenerated holes can be smoothly transferred to the semiconductor/electrolyte interface and quickly participated in the water oxidation reaction, which significantly improved the photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance and stability of BiVO4 photoanode. This work is the first time to apply lithium materials to the field of PEC water oxidation, which provides a new idea for the design of BiVO4 photoanode in the future.

Electronic, magnetic and optical properties of transition metal doped Nd2O3: A DFT insight

The structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of transition metal doped rare earth neodymium sesquioxide (Nd2XO3, where X = Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn) were investigated here by first-principles simulations considering the density functional theory (DFT) framework. Comparing the energy band structures, density of states, and the overall charge density distribution, we have seen that the transition metal doping improves the application of the Nd2O3 (NDO) in many technological aspects. Spin-polarized calculations were quite satisfactorily described, and from this theoretical interpretation using DFT we’ve fruitfully explained the mechanism behind the magnetic behavior of all doped samples. The electronic and optical properties of doped NDO samples were well-tuned by transition metal atoms. Finally, we have observed that the values of total magnetization of transition metal substituted NDO samples were substantially enhanced compared to that of pure NDO, which would be very attractive in diverse applications.

Effect of rare earth Nd3+ doping contents on physical, structural, and magnetic properties of Co–Ni spinel ferrite nanoparticles

Rare earth (RE) low doping has a significant influence on the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Therefore, rare earth neodymium (Nd) oxide was fully doped into spinel ferrite with a composition of Co0.80Ni0.20NdxFe2–xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) using the sol-gel auto combustion method. Structural analysis of the synthesized samples with low doping of Nd using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinements reveals a pure single-phase cubic structure, while the second phase appears with increasing content of Nd3+ at x = 0.10 and 0.15. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) show well-shaped spherical grains within the nanometer range of the pure Co0.80Ni0.20Fe2O4 sample, while larger grains with the presence of agglomeration are observed with doping of Nd3+ into the spinel ferrite nanoparticles. The magnetic parameters, i.e., saturation magnetization Ms, remanence and magnetic moments exhibit decreasing trend with Nd3+ doping and Ms values are in 65.69 to 53.34 emu/g range. The coercivity of the Nd-doped Co–Ni spinel ferrite sample was calculated to be 1037.76 to ∼827.24 Oe. This work demonstrates remarkable improvements in the structural and magnetic characteristics of Nd-doped Co–Ni spinel ferrite nanoparticles for multiple versatile applications.