Investigation of physical properties of synthesized Zr doped Ni–Zn ferrites

Abstract

The samples of Ni0.5-0.5xZn0.5ZrxFe2–xO4 (x = 0.0–0.4, step 0.1) have been prepared by co-precipitation method and then sintered at 1000 °C. The respective characterization has been performed by using XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. In particular, the agglomeration and homogeneity of the samples have been investigated by SEM, EDX and element mapping images. The Rietveld refined XRD results of the samples carried out by using MAUD software, have revealed the existence of a cubic spinel ferrite phase beside two other phases ZnZrO3 and ZnO which have growing volume fraction with increasing Zr4+ content. The variation of lattice constant of the ferrite samples has been discussed according to the site preference of the cations and cation distribution CD. The results obtained from the FT-IR spectra and M−H hysteresis loops confirm the validity of the suggested CD which based on Rietveld refined XRD results. The S-shaped of the M−H curves of the samples with high Ms and low Mr and Hc values, in addition to the enhancement of the dielectric properties σʹac, εʹ and tanδ, make these ferrites suitable for soft magnetic devises used in high frequency applications such as an inductor core in switching mode power supply.