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Yttrium-induced modification of structural, magnetic, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics in Ni-Zn-Mn nanoferrites for versatile applications
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DOI：10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.12.484.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Rare earth elements are crucial for advanced technologies, industrial production, and defense systems, but their global supply remains a significant concern. This study examines yttrium as an alternative rare-earth dopant to improve the functional performance of nickel-zinc-manganese nanoferrites for various industrial uses. A series of Y-doped Ni-Zn-Mn ferrites, with the general formula Ni0.5Zn0.3Mn0.2YxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.00-0.80), were produced using the citrate combustion method. Structural and morphological analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the formation of nano-spinel ferrites with crystallite sizes ranging from 7.93 to 3.62 nm. The saturation magnetisation (Ms) steadily decreased from 61.25 emu/g (x = 0.00) to 44.64 emu/g (x = 0.08), showing that Y3+ substitution weakens the overall magnetic order in the spinel structure by disrupting exchange interactions between magnetic ions. The composition Ni0.5Zn0.3Mn0.2Y0.6Fe1.94O4 exhibited low coercivity (94.78 Oe) and moderate magnetisation (42.83 emu/g), making it suitable for soft magnetic applications, while Ni0.5Zn0.3Mn0.2Y0.08Fe1.92O4 had the lowest squareness ratio (0.168), ideal for transformer cores. Optical analysis using the Kubelka-Munk model showed a tunable band gap from 1.78 to 1.62 eV. The Ni0.5Zn0.3Mn0.2Y0.08Fe1.92O4 sample achieved 97.84 % efficiency in degrading methylene blue and maintained excellent stability over five cycles. These results demonstrate that Y3+ addition effectively adjusts the magnetic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of Ni-Zn-Mn ferrites, supporting their use in energy-efficient electronics and wastewater treatment technologies.
Keywords:
Nanoferrites
Rare earth elements
Magnetic properties
Optical features
Photocatalytic properties
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