Structural, Mössbauer and magnetic study of Co1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0 − 0.56) nano ferrites

We report on the synthesis of spinel Co1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0.0-0.56) ferrites by sol-gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction ‘XRD’, magnetic measurements were used to study compositional-dependence structural, properties, connection among them. Mössbauer spectroscopy was identify non-magnetic-phase, its effect properties. Single-phased nano spinel-ferrite formation is confirmed XRD. Increasing Zn-content leads structural modifications such as decrease lattice parameter, grain diameter DW-H, alteration inversion disorder, tensile-strain, dislocation density, variation A–O–B, A–O–A, B–O–B super-exchange-interaction and canting angles. Cationic distribution suggests that Fe3+,Co2+ ions reside both A, B-sites, with increasing Zn-content, B-site population Fe3+, Zn2+ increases; while Co2+ decreases. Saturation magnetization shows noticeable dependence angle in studied samples described Yafet-Kittel three-sub-lattice model. Coercivity Hc values are consistent anisotropy, DW-H inoverlap-region between multiple-domains/single-domain. Reduced-remanence indicate inter-grain magnetostatic-interaction, isotropic-behavior multi-domain particles. Observed broad peaks derivative field suggest large-number dislocations, more-uniform particle-size. Switching-field-distribution proposes potential application x=0.0 sample high density recording, x=0.56 targeted drug delivery. confirm three-magnetic-components corresponding A,B-sites, Fe3+ boundaries/surface, Fe has 3+ oxidation state, growing paramagnetic-doublet, alone does not explain trend Ms, suggesting it a collective-effect structural-modification, presence paramagnetic-doublet.