Remarkable magnetization with ultra-low loss BaGdxFe12−xO19 nanohexaferrites for applications up to C-band

• BaGdxFe12−xO19 nanoferrites have been explored for structural and microwave properties.
• Saturation magnetization and coercivity are observed to be very high.
• Ultra-low magnetic and dielectric losses over GHz frequency range have been observed.

Sol–gel synthesized BaGdxFe12−xO19, (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) nanohexaferrites, have been explored for magnetic and microwave properties. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the hexagonal structure of the synthesized ferrites. The particle size was observed to be in the range 90–84 nm. The dc resistivity was found to be increasing with an increase in Gd3+ content and the variation of dc resistivity with temperature confirmed the semiconducting behavior of all nanohexaferrites. The observed values of saturation magnetization and coercivity, at room temperature, are 81.34 emu/g and 6020 Oe respectively which are very high as compared to the values ever reported till date. Additionally, we observed ultra-low magnetic loss (0.004–0.01) and dielectric loss (0.004–0.06) over the GHz frequency region. The obtained results make these nanohexaferrites a competent material for antenna applications up to C-band.

TEM image for BaFe12O19 nanohexaferrite.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide