Cation distribution investigation and characterizations of Ni1−xCdxFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by citrate gel process

Ultrafine Ni1−xCdxFe2O4 (where x = 0.0–0.5 in steps of 0.1) ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by the citrate gel process. The X-ray analysis confirmed the single phase cubic spinel structure of the synthesized powder. The lattice constant is found to increase with the increase in concentration of cadmium. The energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) shows that the theoretical and observed percentage of the elements; Ni2+, Cd2+ and Fe3+ and they are in the desired stoichiometric proportion. The distribution of metal ions in the spinel ferrite system is determined from the X-ray diffraction studies. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FT-IR) of the Ni–Cd ferrite system have been analysed in the frequency range of 350–800 cm−1. FT-IR spectra revealed the two prominent frequency bands, one is high frequency band ν1 and another is law frequency band ν2 which are assigned to the tetrahedral and octahedral metal complexes respectively. Saturation magnetization decreased with the Cd2+ substitution. Resistivity of the samples was measured using the two probe technique. AC susceptibility was used to determine the Curie temperature of the samples.

► Ni–Cd ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by citrate gel process. ► Cation distribution of Ni–Cd ferrite nanoparticles. ► IR and XRD spectra reveals the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure. ► Magnetization shows the Cd2+ ion dependency.