Original: https://doi.org/10.1080/16583655.2023.2236368
Replacing some of the atoms in spinel nanoparticles with lanthanum has a big effect on their properties. Using a sol–gel (auto-ignition) method, scientists were able to substitute rare-earth lanthanum ions (La³⁺) into spinel ferrite, making compounds with the formula SrLaxFe₂₋ₓO₄, where x ranged from 0 to 0.10.
Adding lanthanum changes the structure, magnetism, and electrical behavior of the material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that all the samples had a cubic structure. Electrical tests showed that the ferrites act like semiconductors because their resistance decreases as temperature increases.
When lanthanum is added:
- The Curie temperature (the temperature where the material loses magnetism) drops from 532 K to 462 K.
- The activation energy (energy needed for electrical conduction) rises from 0.24 eV to 0.38 eV.
- The magnetization (strength of magnetism) decreases from 50 emu/g to 27 emu/g.
Magnetization loops (M-H loops) also show that the material becomes softer magnetically.
Overall, these changes suggest that the lanthanum-substituted spinel ferrites could be useful for high-frequency applications.