Evidence for the Enhanced Magnetic Properties of the Irradiated Ce3+ Substituted Co0.5Ni0.5 Ferrites

Abstract

In the present study, synthesis and magnetic property characterization of Ce3+ substituted Co0.5Ni0.5Ce0.01Fe1.99O4 nanoferrites are reported. The synthesis of the sample is via modified solution combustion chemistry route. The influence of Ce3+ on structural and magnetic properties was studied as a function of 60Co gamma ray irradiation dose at the rates of 50kGy and 100kGy. Single phase formation of as synthesized sample was confirmed through X Ray Diffraction (XRD). Structural analysis was carried out by Rietveld refinement. Rietveld refined XRD data was well fitted with a structure of cubic spinel exhibiting space group of Fd3m. The lattice parameter of the studied samples increased due to the formation of Fe2+ ions under the ionizing effect of gamma radiation. Room temperature magnetic properties were explored by Vibration Sample Magnetometry (VSM). It reveals the enhanced saturation magnetization, remanence and magnetic pinning of the sample with Ce3+ substitution and gamma ray irradiation up to 50kGy. Further increase in dose rate at 100kGy has resulted in reduction of the magnetic properties. It is observed that the enhanced magnetic parameters are evidenced in the larger ionic radii Ce3+ substituted Co0.5Ni0.5Ce0.01Fe1.99O4 nanoferrites. These results are important for understanding the stability and performance of the ferrite based devices used near intense high energy radiation sources