Hexagonal ferrites possess physicochemical and dielectric features that make them highly favorable for absorption purposes. Due to its excellent characteristics at high frequencies, R-type hexagonal ferrite is specifically designed for efficient microwave absorption. Samples of R-type hexaferrite were prepared using the sol-gel auto-combustion process. The samples had the chemical composition Sr0.7Ba0.3Zr2Fe4-xLaxO11, where x ranged from 0.00 to 0.09 in increments of 0.03. This replacement seeks to enhance the understanding of how the La3+ ions affect the physicochemical characteristics of these ferrites, such as their structure, dielectric properties, XPS, and FTIR properties. The single phase of R-type hexaferrite is confirmed by the FTIR and XRD methods. The crystallite size of the samples of R-type hexaferrite doped with La was determined using three different methods. The crystallite size, determined using Sherrer's formula, ranged from 25.865 to 41.393 nm. Meanwhile, the size calculated using Williamson's method was between 36.084 nm and 62.32 nm. The Size-strain analysis revealed a size range of 24.26 nm to 27.31 nm. The FTIR spectra exhibit two intrinsic vibrational bands, labelled as υ1 and υ2, in the wavenumber range of 400 to 600 cm-1. The XPS examination verifies the elemental composition of a representative specimen that has been swapped with La. As the La3+ content increases, additional semicircles are formed, suggesting the existence of more mechanisms for polarization relaxation and a greater capacity for polarization loss. Out of all the compositions that were created, the material with a composition of x = 0.09 exhibits the highest absorption capabilities. This is because of its minimal reflection loss. By replacing the La3+ element in R-type hexaferrites, the peak of the sample moves towards the higher frequency range, indicating excellent microwave absorption properties. R-type hexaferrites are utilized in transformers to reduce eddy current losses and in microwave absorption devices.
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