Remanent Research Articles

Enhanced multiferroic properties of Co-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles via structural changes

The present study demonstrates a rhombohedral-to-orthorhombic phase transition of BiFe1-XCoXO3 (BFCXO, x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) nanoparticles induced by Co ion doping. With increasing concentration of Co dopant, XRD, Raman and IR patterns exhibit lattice shrinkage and increased lattice strain; SEM and TEM images reveal a corresponding reduction in grain size; XPS spectra indicate that the Fe2+ ions are readily oxidized by Co3+ to Fe3+ ions because to the greater oxidation–reduction potential of Fe3+/Fe2+ (1.3 eV) than that of Co3+/Co2+ (0.55 eV). Effective regulation of crystal structure and microstructure significantly alters the multiferroic properties of BFCXO samples. The Co-doped samples gradually transition from antiferromagnetism to ferromagnetism. Among them, BFC0.03O reaches its maximum values at Ms ~ 0.956 emu/g for magnetization saturation and Mr ~ 0.054 emu/g for remanent magnetization. Meanwhile, BFC0.03O exhibits better ferroelectric properties compared to its pure counterpart. This study presents an effective approach for controlling the structure and characteristics of BFO-based nanomaterials for multifunctional device applications.

Zn-Al Ferrite/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites: Structure and Dielectric and Magnetic Properties for Microwave Applications.

In this study, Zn-Al ferrite/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites were synthesized and thoroughly characterized to explore their potential for microwave applications. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO, AlFeO3, and Fe2O3 phases, with the crystal size decreasing from 31 nm to 19.6 nm as aluminum content increased. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed a distinctive core-shell morphology, where the polypyrrole encapsulates the ZnAlxFe2-xO4 particles. Magnetic measurements showed that decreasing aluminum concentration led to a reduction in both saturation magnetization (Ms) from 75 emu/g to 36 emu/g and remanent magnetization (Mr) from 2.26 emu/g to 2.00 emu/g. Dielectric analysis indicated that both the real (ε') and imaginary (ε″) components of dielectric permittivity decreased with increasing frequency, particularly between 10 and 14 GHz. Furthermore, electrical modulus analysis highlighted the significant impact of aluminum doping on relaxation time (τIP), indicating the presence of interface polarization. Impedance spectroscopy results underscored the dominance of interface polarization at lower frequencies and the presence of strong conduction paths at higher frequencies. These combined magnetic and dielectric loss mechanisms suggest that the Zn-Al ferrite/polypyrrole nanocomposite is a promising candidate for advanced microwave absorption applications.

Microstructural and Magnetic Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Sm4ZrFe33 Alloys

This work focuses on the study of the microstructure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline powders of Sm4ZrFe33, prepared by high‐energy ball milling. The Sm4ZrFe33 compound adopts a monoclinic structure (space group Cm). Upon annealing, these Sm4ZrFe33 samples exhibit notable variations in their extrinsic magnetic properties, closely linked to temperature fluctuations. The investigation delves into the correlation between morphology, grain size and magnetic characteristics. A significant enhancement in coercivity (Hc), remanent magnetization (Mr), and maximum energy product ((BH)max) is observed, primarily attributed to the finer grain structure present in the samples. Particularly noteworthy, among all annealed specimens, the nanocrystalline Sm4ZrFe33 compound annealed at a temperature of Ta = 973 K demonstrates the most promising magnetic properties. This specimen exhibits a coercivity Hc of 18 500 Oe, remanent magnetization (Mr) of 58 emu g−1, maximum energy product ((BH)max) of 5.18 MGOe, Curie temperature (TC) of ≈804 K, and magnetic anisotropy field (Ha) of 115 980 Oe. These research findings pave the way for future investigations and applications in the realm of permanent magnets, spintronic devices, and magnetic recording, utilizing nanocrystalline alloys based on the Sm4ZrFe33 compound.

Cooperative spin crossover leading to bistable and multi-inert system states in an iron(III) complex

Cooperativity among spin centres has long been the royal road in spin crossover (SCO) research to impose magnetic bistability in terms of thermal hysteresis. In this work we access magnetic multi-inert states of the iron(III) compound {FeL2[B(Ph)4]} ≡ FeB at low temperature, in addition to thermal bistability. The packing of the low-spin and high-spin forms of crystalline FeB differs only marginally what ultimately leads to structural conservatism. This indicates that the SCO-immanent breathing of the complex cation is almost fully compensated by the anion matrix. The unique cooling rate dependence of the residual low-temperature magnetisation in FeB unveils continuous switching between the trapped high-spin (ON) and the relaxed low-spin state (OFF). The macroscopic ratio of the spin states (ON:OFF) can be adjusted as a simple function of the cooling rate. That is, cooperative spin crossover can be the source of bistable and multi-inert system states in the very same material.

Magnetic properties and structure of carbon steel samples manufactured by selective laser melting and subjected to fatigue tests

This study investigates the magnetic properties and structure of 09G2S steel samples fabricated using casting and selective laser melting methods. Fatigue bending tests with cantilever fixation were performed to analyze these properties. It was found that the fatigue curve for 3D-printed steel lies below that of cast steel with a similar chemical composition. Both the coercive force and residual magnetic induction are lower near the fracture site. The greater the number of cycles to failure, the smaller the difference in coercive force and residual magnetic induction in different parts of the sample. The nature of fatigue failure differs between cast and 3D-printed steel. The cast 09G2S steel sample exhibits a straight and homogeneous fatigue fracture without visible crack initiation sites. In contrast, the 3D-printed steel samples show heterogeneous fractures with localized zones of failure and tear-off ridges.

Changes in magnetic characteristics of pipes during hydraulic and pneumatic tests of trunk pipelines

To identify the zones with the highest tensile stresses and deformations, a two-parameter magnetic method based on the measurement of coercive force and residual magnetic induction was applied. For realization of the method a mobile hardware and software complex DIUS-1.21M with an electromagnetic U-transducer was used, which was located along the pipe axis and along the pipe ring. Measurements were carried out on three pipes: in the first one magnetic characteristics were measured in the absence and under the influence of internal pressure; in the second and third ones — before the test and after the pipe fracture. It was revealed that internal pressure leads to the growth of residual magnetic induction in all zones both along the axis and along the ring, which indicates the occurrence of axial and circular tensile stresses in these zones, and the change of coercivity occurred ambiguously. It was found that fracture significantly increases the scatter of magnetic characteristics, which is explained by the complex nature of the stress-strain state of the fractured object.

Optical, magnetic and electrical properties of new binary MnTiO3-modified Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 materials as solid solution

The complex binary MnTiO3-modified lead-free ferroelectric Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 materials were successfully fabricated using a simple wet chemical method. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectral studies revealed that Mn cations were randomly distributed within the host lattice, reducing the optical band gap energy from 3.16 eV (pure Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3) to 2.43 eV (9 mol.% MnTiO3). The magnetic properties of Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 compounds varied with MnTiO3 addition, transitioning from weak-ferromagnetism to typical ferromagnetism and further exhibiting antiferromagnetic-like and/or paramagnetic-like behavior. The maximum magnetic moment was obtained at around 19.4 memu/g, along with a coercive field and remanent magnetization of 92 Oe and 0.6 memu/g, respectively. Additionally, nonlinear polarization with a maximum electrical polarization of 3.11 μC/cm2 remained at 9 mol.% MnTiO3-modified Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 compounds. We expected that the observed both ferromagnetism and nonlinear polarization in MnTiO3-modified Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 compounds at room temperature would facilitate their use in smart electronic devices.

Low paleomagnetic field in the proterozoic: new 1.72–1.76 ga paleointensity data obtained on the proterozoic volcanics from the Ukrainian shield

A collection of igneous rocks from the Ukrainian Shield sampled from the Korsun-Novomyrhorod pluton (age interval 1760–1735 Ma, Ingul Domain) and from the Korosten pluton (age 1760–1750 Ma, North-Western Domain) is studied. To obtain reliable determinations of paleointensity (Banc), the magnetic and thermomagnetic properties of samples were studied and X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out. It is shown that the carriers of the characteristic component of natural remanent magnetization are single- and small pseudo-single-domain magnetite grains. To determine Banc, two methods were used: the Thellier‒Coe procedure with the pTRM-checks and the Wilson method. Paleointensity determinations are obtained from five sites and are shown to meet quality criteria. For all five sites, the values of the Banc and the virtual dipole moment (VDM) are extremely low, varying within the range of 3.6–9.76 μT and (0.92–2.43)×1022 Am2, respectively. The analysis of the data from the paleointensity world database (WDB) has shown that the operating mode of the geodynamo in the Proterozoic can be characterized by a succession of strong and weak dipole regimes, but the reality of this conclusion entirely depends on the reliability of the data reported in the literature and presented in the WDB.

Size-strain distribution analysis from XRD peak profile of (Mg, Fe) co-doped SnO2 nanoparticles fabricated using chemical co-precipitation route

In this study, we synthesize pristine and (Mg, Fe) co-doped SnO2 nanoparticles using the chemical co-precipitation method, where the Mg doping amount is fixed (2 mol%) and the amount of Fe is varied between 2 and 6 mol%. The narrow and sharp natures of intense XRD peaks notify that the crystallinity is pretty well. The formation of the single-phase tetragonal rutile type structure of all prepared compounds has been identified by Rietveld refinement, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the well incorporation of Fe and Mg in SnO2 and absence of any other unexpected elements are confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. How the co-doping of Mg and Fe alter the crystallite size, microstrain, and dislocation density of the prepared samples have been investigated by Scherrer method with various modified version of it, Williamson-Hall method (W–H) in three factions (UDM, USDM, and UDEDM), Size strain plot (SSP) method, Halder-Wagner (H–W) method, Wagner-Aqua (W-A) method, and Warren-Averbach (WA) method. The obtained crystallite size using the WA method is smaller than the other methods and Scherrer-based methods show much comparable (except SLMSE) sizes. Additionally, the W–H, H–W, SSP, and W-A plots show almost similar tendency of decreasing crystal size, increasing dislocation density and lattice strain with increasing doping. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) profiles revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles are agglomerated in nature, where the agglomeration increases with decreasing crystal size. The magnetic response of the prepared samples revealed a weak ferromagnetic (or soft magnetic) nature, where saturation magnetization increased due to doping, and a reducing trend of remanent magnetization and coercivity was explored which indicates the phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. However, this soft magnetic nature was modified with the influence of defects like changes in lattice parameters, strain, and oxygen vacancy. This phase transition at higher doping concentration makes our nanomaterial as a suitable contender for memory devices, hyperthermia treatment, and photothermal effect.

Evolution of magnetization of Bi1-ySmyFe1-xTixO3 ceramics at the morphotropic phase boundary attested by multistep magnetization measurements, time aging and electric field

Bi1-ySmyFe1-xTixO3 ceramics with compositions at the rhombohedral- orthorhombic morphotropic phase boundary (y = 0.1, 0.12, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) were prepared by solid state reaction method. Analysis of the crystal structure of the compounds based on the results of laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements as well as Raman spectroscopy experiments revealed a coexistence of the rhombohedral phase (SG R3c) and the anti-polar orthorhombic phase (SG Pbam) in the compounds Bi0.88Sm0.12Fe1-xTixO3 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1; the compounds Bi0.9Sm0.10Fe1-xTixO3 are characterized by the mixed structural state for the concentration range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06 and by the single phase rhombohedral state within 0.06 < x ≤ 0.1. Room temperature magnetization measurements demonstrate a gradual increase of remanent magnetization with Ti content in the compounds of both systems up to the maximal value of MR ∼0.28 emu/g for compounds with x = 0.06 which is followed by a decrease in magnetization with further titanium doping. Temperature decrease leads to a reduction of remanent magnetization which is mainly caused by a partial recovery of spatially modulated spin structure occurred in the compounds of both systems. Time aging of the compounds for about ∼1 year leads to a drastic increase of MR, which is caused by a change in the structural phase ratio, homogeneity of the structural state and a contribution of unbounded spins demonstrated by low field measurements. Subjecting of the annealed compounds to external electric field of E ∼40 kV/cm leads to a decrease of magnetization associated with backward structural transformations and redistribution of the local structural defects in the compounds.

High-Resolution Rotation-Measuring System for MEMS Ultrasonic Motors Using Tunneling Magnetoresistance Sensors.

This study proposes a high-resolution rotation-measuring system for miniaturized MEMS ultrasonic motors using tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors for the first time. Initially, the architecture and principle of the rotation-measuring system are described in detail. Then, the finite element simulation is implemented to determine the miniaturized permanent magnet's residual magnetization, dimensions, and TMR sensor position. Finally, the experiments are implemented to evaluate the performance. Using calibration based on a high-precision servo motor, it is found that the relationship between the output and rotational angle is highly linear and immune to the rotor's out-of-plane movement. Meanwhile, the angle-detecting resolution is higher than 0.1°. After the calibration, the continuous rotation of the MEMS ultrasonic motor is tested. It is found that the angle testing result varies with a period close to 360°, which indicates that the rotation-measuring system has successfully detected the motor's rotation.

Effects of magnetic field heat treatment on magnetic properties and microstructure of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets

Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets have attracted widespread attention for their excellent magnetic properties and thermal stability. The magnetic properties largely depend on the cellular structure and Cu, Fe distributions within these magnets. This paper systematically studies the effect of magnetic field heat treatment (MFHT) on the magnetic properties and microstructure of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets. MFHT improves the room-temperature magnetic properties and remanence temperature stability of magnets but slightly deteriorates the temperature coefficient of intrinsic coercivity. A microstructure analysis shows that MFHT improves the cell boundary phase content and optimizes the cellular structure and Cu, Fe distributions of magnets. A high-density short lamellar phase, possibly induced by MFHT, provides easy diffusion paths for Cu and Fe, thereby improving the magnetic properties of magnets. Compared with conventional aging treatment, this paper proposes a promising method to improve the magnetic properties of Sm2Co17-type sintered magnets under the same heat treatment time and temperature.

Understanding magnetic interactions in SrFe12O19/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites: role of particle structure on exchange spring magnet behaviour

This study explores the impact of particle structure on the magnetic properties of SrFe12O19/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites. The investigation focuses on variations in particle sizes of SrFe12O19 (SHF) and CoFe2O4 (COF) with a mass ratio of 80:20, considering micro-scale poly-crystallite particles (Pp) and nano-scale mono-crystallite particles (Mp). Four sample structures (COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4) were prepared, each with different combinations of poly-crystallite and mono-crystallite particles. Morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed consistent grain shape and size post-sintering. Magnetic properties analysis using Permagraph indicated that grain fineness and uniformity influence the resulting magnetic properties, with composite samples featuring nano-sized hard or soft phases showing improved M r , M s , and (BH) max values compared to individual phases. The nanocomposite sample COM4, characterized by fine and uniform particle size, exhibited the highest remanence magnetization, M r (34.55 emu g−1), saturation magnetization, M s (66.44 emu g−1), and the maximum energy product, (BH) max (1.17 MGOe).

Paleolatitude of Mafic Dykes in the Xiugugabu ophiolite: Implications for the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone and multistage India-Eurasia collision

An intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone has been identified in both the Kohistan-Ladakh arc and the West Burma Terrane. This has significant implications for the India-Eurasia collision. Concurrently, the dismembered ophiolites within the Yarlung-Tsangpo Suture Zone likely originated from the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone or the Andean-type southern Eurasian continental margin. A paleomagnetic study was conducted on the Lower Cretaceous (∼120–130 Ma) mafic dykes in the Xiugugabu ophiolite to resolve the uncertainty of its origin. The characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) obtained through stepwise thermal demagnetization successfully passed consistency/fold and reversal tests. After tilt correction, the overall mean direction of the ChRM was D = 296.9°, I = −25.5°, k = 47.6, α95 = 4.5°, and N = 22, indicating a paleolatitude of 13.4°N/S and a paleopole at 15.0° N, 326.6°E with A95 = 3.8°. Compared with previous paleomagnetic data from the Trans-Tethyan subduction zone, our findings strongly support the involvement of the Xiugugabu ophiolite in the intraoceanic Trans-Tethyan subduction zone. This finding reinforces the hypothesis that there were two distinct subduction zones in the Neotethyan Ocean during the Early Cretaceous. One subduction zone was situated on the southern margin of the Gangdese Arc. The second was the intraoceanic subduction zone, located approximately 3500 km from the southern margin of Eurasia, in the southern hemisphere. Our results also support a multistage India–Eurasia collision process involving continental plates, intraoceanic arcs, and terranes within the Neo-Tethyan Ocean.

Cretaceous magnetostratigraphy of the southern Simao Basin, SE Tibetan Plateau, and its paleogeographic implications

Precise stratigraphic chronology is the basis of many studies (e.g., tectonic, paleoclimate, and mineralization) in geoscience. Here, we carried out a detailed youngest detrital zircon U-Pb age-constrained magnetostratigraphic study on the middle-lower parts of a 2309-m-thick Upper Jurassic−Lower Cretaceous sequence from west Jiangcheng in the southern Simao Basin, southeastern Tibetan Plateau. A total of 2262 paleomagnetic samples were collected for magnetostratigraphy, and five siltstone/sandstone samples were collected for detrital zircon U-Pb analyses. Progressive thermal and alternating field demagnetizations isolated 1575 well-defined interpreted primary characteristic remanent magnetization directions, which yielded 25 normal polarity (N7−N31) and 25 reverse polarity (R8−R32) magnetozones. The interpreted maximum depositional ages calculated using the youngest detrital zircon U-Pb dates are 159.0 Ma, 154.0 Ma, 161.0 Ma, 149.3 Ma, and 139.5 Ma for the stratigraphic horizons at 2303 m, 1986 m, 1600 m, 1350 m, and 1110 m, respectively, in the section. Together with the previous magnetostratigraphic results of the upper part of the section, the observed polarity zones are best correlated with chrons C34n−M17r of the geomagnetic polarity timescale (GPTS2012), yielding magnetostratigraphic age estimates of ca. 143.5 Ma to ca. 65.0 Ma for the entire stratigraphic sequence. Paleogeographic analysis shows that the Simao Basin was in a low-latitude offshore environment during the Late Jurassic−earliest Cretaceous (before 142.3 Ma), a dominant fluvial environment during the early−middle Early Cretaceous (142.3−111.5 Ma), with widespread desertification at the end of this period, a saline lake sedimentary environment during the late Early Cretaceous−early Late Cretaceous (111.5−88.7 Ma), and a fluvial environment during the late Late Cretaceous (88.7−65.0 Ma). The changes in depositional environment are consistent with regional/global tectonic and paleoclimate changes, such as the dismission of Pangea, the termination of the megamonsoon, and the closure of the Meso-Tethys Ocean.

Aridity record of the Arabian Peninsula for the last 200 kyr: Environmental magnetic evidence from the western equatorial Indian ocean

The evolution of aridity and its forcing mechanisms in the Arabian Peninsula are of significance for better understanding the environmental response of the region to global change and the impact of past climate shifts in human evolution. Paleoclimatic reconstructions for the region are predominantly derived from fragmentary terrestrial records. Here, we present a detailed environmental magnetic record for marine sediments from the western equatorial Indian Ocean, which constitute the terminal sink for eolian material originated from the Arabian Peninsula. The dominant magnetic minerals identified in the studied sediments include magnetite, maghemite, and hematite. The hard isothermal remanent magnetization (HIRM), widely used as a proxy for the abundances of the high coercivity mineral hematite, has been used to track variations in the concentration of Arabian dust over the last 200 kyr. Dust concentrations are lowest during interglacial periods of maximum boreal summer isolation, and coincide with intervals during which lake and fluvial systems developed and speleothems formed across most of southern and central Arabia. Our results point to a sharp decrease in the production of dust due to the expansion of vegetation cover up to 30°N during these periods. West African Monsoon appears to be the major source of increased rainfall across Arabia, while the Indian Summer monsoon likely contributed to enhance rainfall in the south and southeastern parts of the peninsula. Variation in the supply of Arabian dust were also driven by changes in high-latitude ice volume and atmospheric CO2, as indicated by highest dust concentration found during glacial periods. We interpret that the expansion of high-latitude ice sheets increased the global meridional temperature gradient, weakened the monsoon system, and resulted in a more southerly, colder and descending subtropical westerly jet, leading to the retreat of vegetation cover and the enhanced production of dust from the Arabian deserts. Our results highlight a link between the production of Arabian dust and orbital-scale climate variability, including both monsoon and northern hemisphere ice sheets dynamics.

Distinguishing surface and bulk electromagnetism via their dynamics in an intrinsic magnetic topological insulator.

The indirect exchange interaction between local magnetic moments via surface electrons has been long predicted to bolster the surface ferromagnetism in magnetic topological insulators (MTIs), which facilitates the quantum anomalous Hall effect. This unconventional effect is critical to determining the operating temperatures of future topotronic devices. However, the experimental confirmation of this mechanism remains elusive, especially in intrinsic MTIs. Here, we combine time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements to elucidate the unique electromagnetism at the surface of an intrinsic MTI MnBi2Te4. Theoretical modeling based on 2D Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interactions captures the initial quenching of a surface-rooted exchange gap within a factor of two but overestimates the bulk demagnetization by one order of magnitude. This mechanism directly explains the sizable gap in the quasi-2D electronic state and the nonzero residual magnetization in even-layer MnBi2Te4. Furthermore, it leads to efficient light-induced demagnetization comparable to state-of-the-art magnetophotonic crystals, promising an effective manipulation of magnetism and topological orders for future topotronics.

Tailoring the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties in holmium doped Ca-Ba hexaferrite nanoparticles by regulating the Ca-Ba (1:1) concentration for magnetic and electric applications

This work reports the synthesis and characterizations of holmium (Ho) doped Ba-Ca hexaferrites (Ba0.5Ca0.5Fe12-xHoxO19). Structural analysis confirms the pure hexagonal phase throughout, and morphology shows the uniformly distributed hexagonal-shaped particles. The incorporation of Ho3+ ions significantly enhanced magnetic properties, as evidenced by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), attributed to the reconfiguration of Fe3+ ions and the reinforcement of superexchange interactions. Across all samples, magnetic hysteresis (M−H) loops exhibited a consistent hard ferrimagnetic behavior, with saturation magnetization (Ms) values varying within the range of 28.64 to 36.33 emu/g, remanent magnetization (Mr) from 16.24 to 20.68 emu/g, and coercivity (Hc) from 1.771 to 2.059 kOe, respectively. The composition with x = 0.09 demonstrated the highest Ms, Mr, and Hc values. The dielectric properties underscore the potential applications of fabricated M−type hexaferrites in microwave technology due to their low dissipation factor and ε“, pivotal for minimizing signal attenuation in crucial components such as filters and resonators. Moreover, Ho doped Ba-Ca hexaferrites present promising alternatives to magnets in electric vehicle applications, suggesting avenues for further research and optimization in this domain.

Improved mechanical, magnetic and radiation shielding performance of rubbery polymer magnetic nanocomposites through incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The current research investigates the impact of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (3–12 wt%) on the properties of rubbery polymer nanocomposites fabricated via melt blending method. The tensile and impact properties were improved at an optimal 6 wt% Fe3O4, revealing a good interfacial interaction. Fe3O4 enhanced the thermal stability, as evidenced by the increased integral procedure decomposition temperature up to 26 %. Fe3O4 increased residual and saturated magnetization the most at 6 wt% loading. The gamma-ray shielding properties were explored with energy ranging from 0.2835 to 2.506 MeV, and effectively at low energies. Increased Fe3O4 content correlated positively with linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), enhancing radiation shielding but reducing neutron shielding. At 0.2835 MeV, the LAC values increased up to 0.12431 cm−1 for 12 wt% Fe3O4, while the fast neutron removal cross-section values decreased from 0.10427 cm−1 to 0.08548 cm−1. These findings highlight the multifunctional potential of Fe3O4-incorporated nanocomposites in radiation shielding applications.

Influence of CoFe2O4 content on the multifunctional properties of BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 core-shell nanocomposites

The utilization of magnetoelectric composites, particularly core-shell configurations, enhances their versatile applications in various sectors such as medicine and data storage. Among these composites, the perovskite-spinel combination is distinguished by its significant potential. A series of (1-x) BiFeO3-(x) CoFe2O4 (where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0) nano core-shell structures were synthesized using a sol-gel auto-combustion method to explore their multifunctional capabilities. Structural analyses identified peaks corresponding to both perovskite and spinel phases. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a reduction in average particle size with an increase in CoFe2O4 content.The particle size in the BFO80-CFO20 sample has been reduced from 243 nm to 34 nm. Additionally, Transmission Electron Microscopy images of the BFO80-CFO20 sample highlighted the evolution of core-shell structures. Our findings indicate that higher CFO concentrations significantly affect the dielectric, ferroelectric, and optical properties. The bandgaps of the nanocomposites BFO80-CFO20 and BFO50-CFO50 were estimated to be 1.43 eV and 1.39 eV, respectively. Magnetic analysis showed increases in both saturation magnetization and remanent magnetization with increased CFO content, while the coercive field followed a different trend. The saturation magnetization values for the samples BFO, BFO80-CFO20, BFO50-CFO50, and CFO were calculated as 0.205, 14.612, 28.374, and 74.105 (emugr), respectively. The measured values for the same samples were 0.08, 5.07, 11.34, and 34.01 (emugr), respectively. Further, the electrochemical properties were thoroughly investigated using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.