Effect of Cadmium Substitution on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nano Sized Nickel Ferrite

The structure and crystal phase of the nanocrystalline powders of Ni1-xCdxFe2O4 (0 <= x <= 0.5) mixed ferrite, synthesized by wet chemical co-precipitation method, were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Results showed that the lattice parameter increased with increasing Cd concentration. Microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy. TG/DTA studies were carried out on co-precipitated sulphate complexes. These studies revealed the low ferritization temperature (650 degrees C) of the ferrite system synthesized by presently adopted route of synthesis and occurrence of simultaneous decomposition and ferritization processes. Further studies by infrared spectroscopy were also conducted. Moreover, magnetic properties of the prepared nanoparticles were studied by magnetization and a.c. susceptibility measurements. The response of prepared Ni1-xCdxFe2O4 mixed ferrites to magnetic field was investigated. Results show that, magnetic susceptibility, Curie temperature, and effective magnetic moment decreased as the Cd content increases.