Synthesis and study of physical properties of Zr4+–Co2+ co-doped barium hexagonal ferrites

Y-type hexagonal ferrite samples of nominal composition of Ba2Cd2(Zr,Co)xFe12−2xO22 have been prepared by the sol–gel method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples show a single phase in the prepared samples. SEM micrographs show crystalline nature of the samples with uniform particle size distribution. The crystallite size of the samples is calculated in the nano-size range of 46–59 nm. DC resistivity of the samples decreases by increasing the temperature but increases by increasing Zr–Co content. Measured values of AC magnetic susceptibility (χ) are used to calculate the Curie temperature of 683 K which is higher than the reported value of 663 K. Doping with Zr–Co is found to considerably affect the lattice c-parameter, crystallite size (D), Curie temperature (TC), DC resistivity (ρ) and drift mobility (μd). Synthesized samples possess excellent electrical and magnetic properties applicable in magnetic recording media and microwave devices.