Structure refinement, cation site location, spectral and elastic properties of Zn2+ substituted NiFe2O4

Ni–Zn ferrite samples with the chemical formula Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0 to x = 1.0) were prepared by solid state reaction. Using the Rietveld refinement the discrepancy factor, interatomic distance, atomic coordinates, cation occupancy and degree of inversion have been determined. SEM images revealed that the Zn2+ promotes grain growth in NiFe2O4. The IR spectra show two absorption bands in the wave number range of 400–600 cm−1. The IR data have been used to calculate elastic moduli such as stiffness constant (C11, C12), longitudinal wave velocity (Vl), shear wave velocity (VS), mean wave velocity (Vm), Young modulus (E), bulk modulus (K), rigidity modulus (G), Poisson ratio (σ) and Debye temperature (θE). The values of elastic moduli and Debye temperature decreases with increasing Zn2+ composition x. AC susceptibility measurement confirms the decrease in Curie temperature with increasing Zn2+ content. Dielectric loss (ε″) increases with increasing Zn2+ content.

► Cation distribution carried out by Rietveld refinement. ► Zn2+ substitution decrease the interatomic distance and elastic properties. ► Curie and Debye temperature decreases with Zn2+ substitution.