Synthesis, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties of Mn+2-Substituted Y-Type Hexagonal Ferrites: Prospects for Microwave Absorption Applications

In this work, Y-type hexagonal ferrites are prepared by the sol-gel auto-combustion technique, aiming to enhance saturation magnetization and reduce coercivity while also improving the dielectric properties for microwave absorption applications. Scanning electron microscopy and crystallographic x-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to analyze their morphology and structural parameters. The XRD results confirm the presence of single-phase hexaferrites with crystallite sizes ranging from 51.5 nm to 69.0 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrates that the bond stretching of Fe-O ions at octahedral sites aligns with XRD analysis findings. Due to their properties, the dielectric constant values exhibit a decreasing trend with Mn concentration, making the synthesized materials suitable for microwave absorption applications. Substituting Mn2+ ions systematically enhances the AC conductivity. The magnetic properties are examined by vibrating-sample magnetometry. The decreasing trend in coercivity values with increasing Mn2+ concentration in the Y-type hexaferrites suggests the use of this material in magnetic sensing devices, magnetic recording, and microwave absorption.