Enhanced Saturation Magnetization in Cobalt Doped Ni-Zn Ferrite Nanoparticles

The Co substitution in Ni-Zn ferrites with respect to their structural and magnetic properties has been investigated in favor to select a material for future electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding application purpose. Ni0.6-x Zn0.4Co (x) Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.09, 0.27) nanoparticles were synthesized using a sol-gel method and annealed at 700(a similar to)C. The prepared Ni0.6-x Zn0.4Co (x) Fe2O4 samples were characterized for their structural, stoichiometric, and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the formation of single-phase spinel cubic structure formed at x = 0.27. The influence of Co doping on structural properties of Ni-Zn ferrite was examined with X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The stoichiometry of prepared samples has also been examined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The magnetic behavior was studied using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The variations in values of saturation magnetization were explained on the basis of spin canting effect imparted by hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) phase with spinel phase. Ni0.6-x Zn0.4Co (x) Fe2O4 with x = 0.27 possesses best saturation magnetization and can be useful in EMI shielding material.