Co3+ Doped CdFe2O4 Nanoparticles: Structural, Optical, Magnetic, and Electrical Properties

Abstract

Through the citrate-gel auto-combustion technique, we synthesized Co-doped cadmium nano ferrites (NFs) with the formula CoxCd1−xFe2O4 (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 with increments of 0.2). The synthesized materials underwent comprehensive analysis utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic and electrical properties were evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer and LCR meter, respectively. XRD analysis confirmed the spinel phase structure and FD3M space group. SEM analysis revealed agglomerations of nanoparticles and grain boundaries. Elemental analysis of the synthesized nanomaterials was provided by energy dispersive spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy identified two main broad bands corresponding to the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites, confirming the spinel structure. Magnetic properties such as magnetic saturation, coercivity, and remanent magnetization were characterized using VSM. Additionally, the LCR meter assessed frequency and temperature-dependent dielectric parameters, including AC conductivity (σAC), dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss (tan δ), and impedance spectra. An increase in AC conductivity (σAC) was observed with increasing temperature and frequency.