Characterization, structural and magnetic properties of the as-prepared Mg-substituted Cu-nanoferrites

• Cu1−xMgxFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared by the co-precipitation method.
• They behaved superparamagnetically and their crystallite size was decreased with x.
• Sample patterns and spectra, results and parameters showed x dependence.
• Saturation magnetization was dependent on x and R.
• Strain, Debye temperature and stiffness constant were changed nonlinearly with x.

The as-prepared Cu1−xMgxFe2O4 nanoferrites, 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1, were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared (IR) and Mössbauer spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. This study proved that the samples have single-phase cubic spinel structure, nanometric size and superparamagnetic behavior. The nanoparticle and crystallite size (R) showed a dependence on the Mg ion content x. The Mössbauer spectra were analyzed and assigned to two magnetic subpatterns and/or two quadrupole doublets due to Fe ions among the tetrahedral A-sites and octahedral B-sites. Six IR absorption bands were observed and assigned to the corresponding vibration modes. The saturation magnetization showed decrease against x and proved dependence on R. The lattice constant, hopping lengths, strain, site characteristic bands and B-site force constant showed x dependence, whereas oxygen parameter and A-site force constant did not. The site ionic radii and edges, density, porosity, Debye temperature, stiffness constant, hyperfine interaction and magnetic parameters were deduced and discussed as functions of x and the cation distributions were estimated.

RT Mössbauer spectra of the as-prepared Cu1−xMgxFe2O4 nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide