Influence of Nd3+ on structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Ni-Cd nanoferrites

Here in we report the nanocrystalline Ni_1-xCd_xNd_yFe_2-yO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 in steps of 0.2: y = 0.0; 0.1) ferrites were synthesized by novel solution combustion technique. The sintered powders have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive analysis by x-rays (EDAX) methods. DC electrical conductivity carried out by two probe method. Magnetic parameters were measured using vibrating sample magnetometer with an applied magnetic field up to 15 kOe at 300K. The XRD results confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure formation. It was found that the lattice parameter increased with increase in Cd²⁺ ion. The crystallite sizes have been found in the range of 44.24 nm–15.467 nm. Moreover, the formation of two prominent absorption bands confirmed the spinel structure. The SEM micrographs evidenced almost spherical shaped, agglomerated and grainy structure of nanoferrites. Moreover, the Curie temperature (T_C) was decreased with increasing temperature and exhibit the semiconducting behaviour. Further, saturation magnetization (M_S), remanence magnetization (M_r); coercivity (H_C) were decrease with increase in the magnetic field. The magnetic parameters; M_S, M_r, n_B increases attain maximum thereafter decreases with increase in Cd²⁺ ion and Nd³⁺ ion content.