Structural and magnetic properties of La3+ substituted strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles prepared by citrate precursor method

► Strontium ferrite nanoparticles have been successfully prepared from citrate precursor technique. ► The HC has been increased by substitution of La3+, whereas MS decreases. ► Enhancement in coercivity can be explained on the basis of anisotropy effect. ► Superexchange interaction and spin canting behavior are discussed in detail (MS). ► La3+ substituted ferrite (30 nm) materials are suitable to obtain desired SNR.