Characterization of Nano-Structured Magnesium-Aluminum Ferrites Synthesized by Citrate-Gel Auto Combustion Method

Abstract

An effort is made to find the solution to the new challenges of modification advancements in ferrite technologies. The hypothetical variation in the structural, magnetic, and electrical properties of cubic spinel magnesium aluminum ferrites introduced by the substitution of doping elements has been rationalized and proven. The outcome of aluminum substitution on the magnesium ferrites has been examined and investigated. Spinel ferrites having compositions of MgAlxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were prepared by the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The prepared sample’s characterization, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DC electrical resistivity, AC electrical resistivity, and dielectric properties measurements, were tested using the respective instruments. The grain size and crystal size of all samples were measured from the micrographs of SEM and XRD Data. It is found that the average grain size is within the range of 300 nm - 550 nm for all different series that are formed, keeping the samples at 1100 °C sintering temperatures. A two-probe method experiment with a temperature range of 30 °C to 500 °C gives data on DC electrical resistivity. The Curie temperature depends on the sintering temperature, and it increases with increasing doping concentration. Also, doping influences grain size, which decreases with increasing concentration. Analyzing the SEM micrographs, it is found that the average grain size must decrease in tendency with increasing Al content. DC electrical resistivity exhibits excellent semiconducting behavior. Frequency dependence, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss factors were measured, keeping the frequency range of 75 Hz to 130 MHz at room temperature. The result shows that the dielectric constant (e) and dielectric loss tangent (tan™) decrease with the increase in frequency, while the AC resistivity and Q-factor increase. Comparing the electrical properties of four compositions, it can be suggested that the mixed ferrite, sample-4 (x = 0.3), shows the highest Q-factor of all at 1100 °C.