Cu2+-modified physical properties of Cobalt-Nickel ferrite

The present study focused on structural, magnetic and electrical properties of Cu substituted Co-Ni ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel combustion method. X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), magnetization, magnetic permeability and resistivity measurements were carried out to study the structural, magnetic and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms single phase spinel formation. Crystallite size determined from Scherer's method increases with Cu concentration. Distribution of cations was estimated from X-ray line intensity calculations, suggest that the majority of Cu2+ ions occupy octahedral (B) site. Saturation magnetization exhibit increasing trend from 40 emu/g (x = 0.0) to 60 emu/g (x = 0.4) with Cu concentration, though higher magnetic moment Ni ions are replaced by lower magnetic moment Cu ions. Magnetic permeability increases with increasing Cu concentration and shows a flat profile in the frequency range 1-50 MHz. Significant modification in DC electrical resistivity and activation energy are explained on the basis of hopping mechanism.