Structural and magnetization studies on nanoparticles of Nd doped α-Fe2O3

It has been observed that, compared to bulk form, the nanocrystalline α-Fe2O3 is finding application in various areas. Magnetic properties of α-Fe2O3 are found to be influenced by the size of particles and are also sensitive to synthesis method employed for sample preparation. In the present work we have prepared a series of Nd doped α-Fe2−xO3 samples (x = 0.0–0.5) by combustion method, without using any fuel. The analysis of room temperature neutron diffraction patterns shows that all the compounds of the series form in the hematite (α-Fe2O3) structure, space group R−3c. Magnetization measurements show that there is a broad distribution of particle size in the samples. We find that the increase in the Nd content results in the dilution of magnetism of α-Fe2O3. From results we believe that inclusion of Nd in α-Fe2O3 drastically modifies the magnetic properties.