Systematic study of Ce3+ on the structural and magnetic properties of Cu nanosized ferrites for potential applications

Ce~(3+) substituted Cu-spinel nanoferrites CuCe_xFe_(2-x)O_4(x=0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10) were synthesized via sol-gel self-combustion hybrid route. Single phase spinel ferrite of Cu nanoferrites were examined using X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis whereas the multiphase structure was observed as Ce contents increased from x=0.06. Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis(TGA and DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) were used to find out the morphology phase and metal stretching vibrations of Ce~(3+) substituted nanocrystalline ferrites. The crystallite size was increased and found in the range of 25-91 nm. The agglomerations in Cu ferrite samples increase as the Ce~(3+) concentration increases. The magnetic properties such as remanence, saturation magnetization, coercivity, Bohr magneton and magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant(K) were determined using M-H loops recorded from a vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM). Saturation magnetization, remanence and coercivity are increased as the Ce~(3+)contents increase in Cu nanocrystalline samples. Moreover, law of approach to saturation(LoA) was used to calculate the maximum value of saturation for Ce-doped Cu nanoferrites. The soft magnetic behaviour of the Cu nanoferrite is observed as compared to the samples substituted with the increased Ce contents in Cu nanocrystalline ferrite. Bohr magneton and magnetocrystalline anisotropy are found to increase with the substitution of rare earth Ce~(3+) contents in Cu spinel nanocrystalline ferrite. Cedoped Cu nanocrystalline ferrites with excellent properties may be suitable for potential applications in sensing, security, switching, core, multilayer chip inductor, biomedical and microwave absorption applications.     

Traversing the advantageous role of samarium doped spinel nanoferrites for photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants

The present work reportes the pertinence of samarium(Sm) doped spinel nanoferrites as magnetically recoverable photocatalyst for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater.Thus,a series of Sm substituted spinel nano ferrites,MSm_xFe_(2-x)O_4(M=Ni,Co;x=0,0.02,0.06,0.1) we re synthesized via sol-gel methodology.The effect of Sm doping on the structural,morphological,optical and magnetic properties of pristine nanoferrites was investigated systematically.Further,the fabricated samples were explored as photocatalysts for the oxidative degradation of antibiotics(ofloxacin and norfloxacin) and dyes(methyl orange and safranin O).The Sm doped nanoferrites exhibit astonishing catalytic efficacy that can be attributed to higher surface area,octahedral site preference of Sm ions and reduced band gap.The synthesized nanoferrites display excellent recyclability which enables them to be utilized as potential photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.     

Effect of Nd3+ substitution on structural and magnetic properties of Mg–Cd ferrites synthesized by microwave sintering technique

Nd~(3+) substituted spinel ferrites with formula Mg_xCd_(1-x)Nd_(0.03)Fe_(1.97)O_4(x = 0.0.2,0.4,0.6.0.8 and 1.0)were prepared by oxalate co-precipitation method using novel microwave sintering technique. AR grade sulphates were used as starting chemicals. The samples were sintered at optimized power of 70 W for10 min in a microwave oven(800 W). The structural analysis of these samples was done by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform IR techniques. The XRD analysis of the synthesized ferrite confirms the formation of cubic spinel structure of ferrite. The influence of Nd3+substitution on various structural parameters of Mg-Cd ferrites was reported. IR study indicates the spectra contain two intense absorption bands around 600 and 400 cm~(-1) in addition with four extra bands. The magnetic properties of all ferrites were studied by using a vibration sample magnetometer.The crystallite and grain size dependant magnetic properties are observed. The composition Mg_(0.6)Cd_(0.4)Nd_(0.03)Fe_(1.97)O_4 has better magnetic properties that can be used in recording media. The fast synthesis of spinel ferrites is yielded due to use of the microwave sintering technique.     

Doping effect of rare-earth (lanthanum,neodymium and gadolinium) ions on structural,optical, dielectric and magnetic properties of copper nanoferrites

Copper and rare earth-doped (RE = La, Gd, Nd) CuFe_1.85RE_0.15O₄ nanoferrites were prepared using the sonochemical method. The effective doping of rare-earth (La³⁺, Nd³⁺, Gd³⁺) ions with copper nanoferrites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the nanoferrites were identified through the Fourier transform infrared spectra. The doping of rare-earth elements enhances the optical bandgap energy of the nanoferrites that are observed through Ultraviolet–DRS spectra. The oxidation state of the elements Cu 2p, La 3d, Nd 3d, Gd 3d, Fe 2p and O 1s was analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate a spherical morphology with agglomeration to some elongate. The values of dielectric constant and conductivity decrease considerably due to doping rare-earth ions in copper nanoferrites. Low saturation magnetization and high coercivity values of rare earth-doped copper nanoferrites are observed from the typical hysteresis curves.     

Studies on Structural and Electrical Properties of Ball-Milled NiCuZn-MgCuZn Nanocomposites Ferrites

Multilayer chip inductors (MLCIs) have been rapidly developed for electromagnetic applications. NiCuZn ferrites are the most preferred ferrite materials to produce MLCIs, and MgCuZn ferrites have similar electromagnetic properties to those of NiCuZn ferrites. In view of this, ferrite composites with ferromagnetic phase (X) Ni_0.35Cu_0.05 Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ + (1 – X) Mg_0.25Cu_0.25Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄, in which X varies from 0.0 to 1.0, were prepared by the conventional ceramic double-sintering process. The sintered ferrite was characterized for direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical conductivities, and thermoelectric effect studies. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of single-phase spinel structure; the grain size was estimated using an scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The electrical properties were studied as a function of temperature and composition. The temperature variations of these samples were carried out from 303 K to 523 K (30 °C to 250 °C) within the frequency range 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The sintered NiCuZn-MgCuZn ferrites prepared possess good electromagnetic properties and good structure, thus making them suitable materials for MLCIs due to its high resistivity.     

La~(3+) doped LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)Fe_2O_4 spinel ferrite nanocrystals:Insights on structural,optical and magnetic properties

This paper addresses the manipulation of structural,morphology,optical and magnetic properties of LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)Fe_2 O_4 ferrite via incorporation of different proportions of La~(3+) at the expense of iron ions using a sol-gel method.The samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction technique(XRD),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy,the energy dispersive X-ray spectra(EDX),inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy(ICP-OES),high resolution scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) surface area analysis,ultraviolet-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(UV-DRS),and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM) technique.The Rietveld refinements of the samples indicate that at higher concentrations of La3+,nanostructures with dual phase,i.e.cubic spinel and orthorhombic LaFeO_3 perovskite with space group(Pbnm) appear.Optical studies show that the energy band gap(E_g) of the bare LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)Fe_2 O_4 ferrite sample(2.18 eV) reaches up to 2.47 eV at x=0.06 and above this concentration,it drops sharply to 2.00 eV.Although the saturation magnetization and the coercivity of LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)La_xFe_(2-x)O_4 are lower than that of LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)Fe_2 O_4 NPs.Overall,the superparamagnetic nature and low values of saturation magnetization and coercivity of LiCo_(0.25)Zn_(0.25)La_xFe_(2-x)O_4 NPs are suitable to be applied in transformers core.     

Unique structural and magnetic traits of Nd3+-substituted Co–Zn nanoferrites

Because of the technological potential of magnetic spinel nanoferrites, we prepared neodymium ion (Nd³⁺)-substituted cobalt-zinc ferrites (CZFs) with the form Co_0.5Zn_0.5Nd_xFe_2–xO₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) via a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques. XRD, FTIR and FESEM analyses confirm the formation of a cubic spinel phase of the CZFNPs (CZF nanoparticles). A decrease in the lattice parameter due to the substitution of Fe³⁺ by Nd³⁺ in the lattice structures is manifested in the XRD refinement data. The magnetic properties of the proposed CZFNPs were evaluated in terms of the saturation magnetization, remanence, coercivity, squareness ratio and magnetic moment. These CZFNPs exhibit superparamagnetic behaviors at room temperature. Moreover, the Nd³⁺ inclusion does not significantly affect the measured magnetizations and coercivities of the CZFNPs. Samples containing 0.01 and 0.03 Nd³⁺ exhibit lower saturation magnetizations than that of the pristine product. The squareness ratios much less than 0.53 are ascribed to surface spin disordering. The unique magnetic traits of the synthesized CZFNPs are primarily attributed to the substitution of Fe³⁺ ions, with smaller ionic radii, by Nd³⁺ ions, with larger ionic radii. The proposed CZFNPs may be useful for diverse magneto-optic applications.     

Structural characterization and optical properties of long-lasting CaAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Nd~(3+) phosphors synthesized by microwave-assisted chemical co-precipitation

The present paper reported the structural and luminescent properties of Eu~(2+) and Nd~(3+) doped CaAl_2O_4 phosphor. The samples were prepared by microwave-assisted chemical co-precipitation(MA-CCP), a synthesis technique which is suitable for small and uniform particle that could be used directly without grinding. The effects of different microwave temperatures on structure and photoluminescence behavior were studied. Formation of a phosphor and phase purity were confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique(XRD) with variable microwave temperatures. XRD analysis showed that the phosphors prepared by MA-CCP method at the temperature of 750, 900oC, respectively and solid-state reaction(SSR) method at 1300oC consisted of impurities. Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage(CIE) color coordinates of CaAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Nd~(3+) were suitable as blue light emitting phosphor. Excitation and emission peaks of the samples prepared by different methods in this study were almost the same. The images of SEM showed that the size of the phosphors prepared by MA-CCP method reached a submicrometer.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of rare-earth doped fiber with spectral blue-shift: SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) phosphors/triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate based on polypropylene substrate

The rare-earth doped fiber with spectral blue-shift based on long afterglow luminescent materials SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) phosphors and an organic cationic photoinitiators-triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate(TSHF) in the presence of polypropylene substrate(PP) was prepared by melt-spinning process. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), infrared spectroscopy(IR), afterglow properties and luminescence properties were tested. The results of SEM and FTIR spectra showed that the fiber consisted of irregular particles and had independent structural constitution of SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) phosphors, TSHF and polypropylene. Furthermore, it was observed that there existed the highest afterglow initial intensity for the fiber with the TSHF concentration of 5 wt.%. More interestingly, the emission peak shifted to blue area gradually as the TSHF doping increased. The rare-earth doped fiber was distributed on blue light area in the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, which showed more obvious blue-shift phenomenon than the yellow-green light of SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) phosphors.     

Ni0．5Zn0．5La0．05Fe1.95O4铁氧体的制备与吸波性能研究

采用高分子凝胶法制备了Ni0．5Zn0．5La0．05Fe1.95O4铁氧体。当煅烧温度为600℃时,立方晶系尖晶石结构的Ni0．5Zn0．5La0．05Fe1.95O4相初步形成。掺杂稀土La后,Ni0．5Zn0．5La0．05Fe1.95O4铁氧体的吸波性能显著提高,吸收峰向高频移动,其电磁波反射率小于～10dB的频宽可达2．7GHz,最小反射率为-15．6dB。     

Optical performance study of Sr_2ZnSi_2O_7:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+), SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) and Y_2O_2S:Eu~(3+),Mg~(2+),Ti~(4+) ternary luminous fiber

In this study, down-conversion fluorescent powder of Sr_2ZnSi_2O_7:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+), SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) and Y_2O_2S:Eu~(3+),Mg~(2+),Ti~(4+), which were the common three primary colors materials with long afterglow, were synthesized by high temperature solid state method. The blends of rare earth(RE) luminescent materials have been of interest to reinvest the luminescent characteristics of polyethylene terephtahalate(PET) luminous fiber. The scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and an inversion fluorescence microscope were used to characterize the surface morphology and the dispersion of inclusion. Through analysis of microcosmic morphology, three typical dispersions of luminescent particles were summarized. The X-ray diffraction indicated that the phase structure of fiber samples and crystal structure of luminescence materials kept complete after prilling and spinning. From the fluorescence spectra and CIE 1931 coordinates, it could be found that different combinations of luminous fibers were desired to obtain divers colors emission luminous fiber. And the fiber samples were a light sensation which could induct different excitation wavelengths and convert it down to different colors. The afterglow decay curve and its differential curve were summarized indicating the three decay stages. The decay curve and decay rate curve showed that the contents of Sr_2ZnSi_2O_7:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+), SrAl_2O_4:Eu~(2+),Dy~(3+) and Y_2O_2S:Eu~(3+),Mg~(2+),Ti~(4+) had obvious influence on the afterglow of fiber samples.     

Structural Analysis and Magnetic Properties of Gd-Doped Li-Ni Ferrites Prepared Using Rheological Phase Reaction Method

A series of Gd-doped Li-Ni ferrites with the formula of LiNi0.5GdxFe2-xO4 where x = 0.00 - 0.08 in steps of 0.02, were prepared by thermolysis of oxalate precursors obtained by rheological phase reaction. The structure, morphology, and the magnetic properties of the samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction （XRD）, atomic force microscopy （AFM） and a vibrating sample magnetometer （VSM）. A single spinel phase was obtained in the range of x = 0.00 - 0.04. The lattice parameters of the Gd-doped samples were larger than that of pure Li-Ni ferrite, and increased in the range of 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.04, then decreased up to x = 0.08, because of the formation of the secondary phase （Gd- FeO3）. All samples were spheric particles with an average size of about 100 nm, but agglomerated to some extent. The hysteresis loops indicated that the saturation magnetization decreased gradually with increasing Gd content, while the variation of coercivity was related to the microstructure of the Gd-doped samples.     

溶胶-凝胶法制备YAG:Ho~(3+),Yb~(3+)纳米晶

以稀土氧化物和硝酸铝为原料,采用溶胶-凝胶法合成了YAG:1%Ho~(3+),1%Yb~(3+)纳米晶,并通过正交试验法确定其干凝胶的合成条件.采用DTA-TG、XRD及TEM对干凝胶的合成过程、纳米晶的晶相组成及形貌进行了研究,表明干凝胶经1 200 ℃煅烧后形成了结晶完全的YAG相,无中间相产生.吸收光谱和上转换发射光谱分析表明,Yb~(3+)在材料的发光过程中具有传递能量的作用,Ho~(3+)在跃迁过程中发射出中心波长为650 nm的红色上转换荧光及540 nm的绿色上转换荧光.     

Tunable luminescence and energy transfer in Y_2BaAl_4SiO_(12):Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+)phosphors for solid-state lighting

Single-phase Y₂BaAl₄SiO₁₂:Tb³⁺,Eu³⁺phosphors with adjustable luminescence were successfully prepared by high-temperature solid-state reaction method.The structural,luminescent properties and ene rgy transfer(ET) process of Y₂BaAl₄SiO₁₂:Tb^(³⁺),Eu³⁺phosphors were syste matically analyzed with the help of X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),excitation spectra,emission spectra and photoluminescence decay curves.Tunable luminescence ranging from green through yellow and definitively to red can be achieved by elevating amounts of Eu³⁺ions in Tb³⁺,Eu³⁺co-doped samples.Besides,the ET mechanism and efficiency were also analyzed and the maximum ET efficiency is 67%.All the results show that Y₂BaAl₄SiO₁₂:Tb³⁺,Eu³⁺phosphors can be used in solid-state lighting.     

Synthesis,optical properties,and energy transfer of Ce~(3+),Tb~(3+) doped KLu_2F_7

Ce~(3+), Tb~(3+) doped orthorhombic phases of KLu_2F_7 microcrystals with hexagonal disk morphology were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Enhanced emissions of Tb~(3+) were observed in the Ce~(3+)/Tb~(3+) co-doped KLu_2F_7 sample compared to the Tb~(3+) single-doped KLu_2F_7. The energy transfer efficiency from Ce~(3+) to Tb~(3+) was calculated by the photoluminescence intensity in the Ce~(3+)/Tb~(3+) co-doped KLu_2F_7 samples. The average separations between Ce~(3+) and Tb~(3+) were calculated and the critical distance was 0.922 nm estimated by method of concentration quenching. The theoretical calculation proved the results. The theoretical analysis also suggested that the energy transfer from Ce~(3+) to Tb~(3+) in the KLu_2F_7 occurred predominantly via the dipole-quadrupole interaction. The KLu_2F_7 should be good host materials for emitters.     

Impact of La3+ substitution on electrical,magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of Ni0.7Cu0.1Zn0.2LaxFe2–xO4 (0 < x < 0.035) system

The oxalate co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the La³⁺ substituted Ni–Cu–Zn (La–NCZ) nanoferrites having chemical composition Ni_0.7Cu_0.1Zn_0.2La_xFe_2–xO₄ (x = 0, 0.015, 0.025 and 0.035). DC resistivity study of nanoferrites shows both the conducting and semiconducting behaviour. The room temperature DC electrical resistivity of Ni–Cu–Zn (NCZ) nanoferrites decreases, whereas Curie temperature increases with increasing La³⁺ content. In the temperature range of 30–170 °C nanoferrites show p-type semiconducting behavior except x = 0.015; thereafter, they show n-type behaviour. The frequency dispersive initial permeability (μ_i) associated with its real and imaginary (μ′ and μ") parts are attributed to the domain wall movement and magnetic spin resonant. The μ_i, μ′ and μ" of La–NCZ nanoferrites are higher than those of pure NCZ nanoferrite. Dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″) and AC resistivity (ρ_AC) of La–NCZ nanoferrites show normal dielectric behaviour. It is found that ε′ of NCZ nanoferrites decreases with the increasing content of La³⁺ ions. The bandgap energy of La–NCZ nanoferrites is achieved in the range 1.36–1.70 eV confirming the semiconducting nature of materials.     

X-ray spectrum and Mössbauer study of nickel ferrites excited by aluminum and chromium ions

Conclusions According to the data of x-ray diffraction analysis all of the samples obtained of complex alloyed ferrites are single-phase solid solutions with the structure of spinel.The addition of the matrix of nickel ferrite of ions of aluminum and chromium leads to a significant increase in specific electrical resistance with a simultaneous decrease in the tangent of the angle of dielectric losses.X-ray absorption spectroscopy detects a shift in the K-boundary of Fe in the direction of higher energies, indicating an increase in the valence of the iron ions.The Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions occupy exclusively octahedral positions, which is confirmed by the character in the change in the nuclear -resonance spectra and in the macromagnetic properties in alloying.Mössbauer and resistometric investigations confirm the changes predicted from the x-ray spectra in the electron configuration of the iron ions forming the matrix of the ferrite (Fe²⁺ Fe³⁺ transition).The Ni-Al and Ni-Al-Cr systems of ferrites are of definite practical interest for selection of the searching for compositions with improved characteristics as magnetically soft ferrite materials.The method of activation alloying may be used in controlling the properties of ferrites.Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, No. 3(255), pp. 76–81, March, 1984.     

Ultraviolet to near-infrared energy transfer in NaYF_4:Nd~(3+),Yb~(3+) crystals

To convert ultraviolet(UV) light into near-infrared(NIR) light in phosphors is demanded for the development of solar cells.A series of NaYF_4:Nd~(3+),Yb~(3+) white powder samples were prepared via the hydrothermal method.The crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of the samples were carefully studied using X-ray diffractometry(XRD) and photoluminescence spectra.The excitation and emission spectra of NaYF_4:Nd~(3+),Yb~(3+) samples and the luminescence decay curves of Nd~(3+) and Yb~(3+) revealed an efficient energy transfer process from Nd~(3+) to Yb~(3+).This process resulted in the Yb~(3+) NIR fluorescent emission at 980 nm.Moreover,the lifetime of the Nd~(3+4)F_(3/2) level decreased with the increase of Yb~(3+) doping concentration.The build-up time of the decay curves of the Yb~(3+2)F_(5/2) level further verified the energy transfer process.Meanwhile,energy transfer efficiency based on different Yb~(3+) doping concentrations was achieved.     

Preparation and Sinterability of Mn-Zn Ferrite Powders by Sol-Gel Method

Mn-Zn spinel ferrites were synthesized by sol-gel method. Effects of calcined temperature on structure and particle size of MnZnFe2O4 were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns indicate that the ultra fine Mn-Zn ferrite exhibits a spinel crystal structure. SEM images show that the powder fired at 900 ℃ for 2 h has an average diameter of 60～90 nm. The particle size becomes larger with the increasing of calcined temperature and the distribution of particle becomes even more homogeneous. Sintering behaviors of synthesized ferrite powders depend on the powder characteristics and high temperatures have induced the good crystallization of particles.     

Preparation of Mono‐, Di‐ and Hemicalcium Ferrite Phases via Melt for Reduction Kinetics Investigations

Iron ore concentrates that are used in the iron production are usually agglomerated into sinter or pellets in order to improve their properties in the blast furnace. The main minerals in the magnetite base sinters are hematite, magnetite and Si and Al containing calcium ferrites of which the latter can exist as either monocalcium ferrite, dicalcium ferrite or hemicalcium ferrite depending on the conditions and on the material's iron/calcium‐ratio. In order to study the reduction behaviour of the sinter in the iron production, samples of monocalcium ferrite, dicalcium ferrite and hemicalcium ferrite were prepared by melting different proportions of pure calcium and iron oxides. After melting the samples were cast and cooled. Samples of hemicalcium ferrite were also heated at a certain temperature before the actual reduction experiments in order to ensure the wanted phase composition of the samples. The mineral compositions of the samples were verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM‐EDS) as well as X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The verification showed that it was possible to produce the samples of calcium ferrites via melting. The conditions needed to reduce the calcium ferrites were estimated with thermodynamic calculations.