Structural, electrical and magnetic properties of cadmium substituted copper ferrite by sol–gel method

Cu1−xCdxFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0) ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel auto-combustion method. The thermal decomposition process was investigated by Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) technique. The phase composition of the copper cadmium ferrite samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD). All the samples reveal formation of cubic spinel symmetry. The surface morphology of Cu1−xCdxFe2O4 ferrite powder was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), while elemental compositions of sample were studied by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The DC conductivity studies of the samples reveal their semiconducting nature. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies showed that, all the samples are ferrimagnetic in nature at room temperature.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Cu1−xCdxFe2O4 mixed metal oxides. ► Sol–gel auto-combustion method. ► Cubic spinel symmetry. ► Semiconducting nature. ► Ferrimagnetic material.