Magnetic and dielectric properties of Co–Zn ferrite

Nanocrystalline powders of Co substituted Zn ferrite with the chemical formula CoxZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) were synthesized by sol–gel autocombustion method using tartaric acid as fuel agent. The samples were sintered in static air atmosphere for 7 h at 773 K, 7 h at 973 K and 10 h at 1173 K. The organic phase extinction and the spinel phase formation were monitored by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns analysis confirmed the spinel single phase accomplishment. Crystallite size, average grains size, lattice parameter and cation distribution were estimated. Magnetic behavior of the as-obtained samples by means of M-H hysteresis measurements was studied at room temperature. Permeability and dielectric permittivity at room temperature versus frequency was the subject of a comparative study for the CoxZn1−xFe2O4 series. In agreement with the proposed cation distribution the sample with Co0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 formula exhibits the optimal magnetic and dielectric properties.