Structural, Dielectric and Magnetic studies of Mixed Ferrites of Co-Zn using combustion method

Using auto-combustion approach, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles doped with Zn+2 with the basic chemical composition ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 (x = 0 to 1: in steps of 0.25) were prepared. Phase confirmation of the proposed samples was confirmed through XRD studies. XRD pattern of the calcined ferrites revealed single phase spinel cubic structure. At room temperature, using HIOKI LCR meter (Model no: 3520-50) the dielectric measurements in the frequency range 102 Hz–106 Hz were performed. Dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) of synthesized nano-materials were investigated as a function of frequency and Zn+2 concentration at ambient temperature and all the samples exhibited dielectric dispersion. Magnetic measurements for ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 nano-ferrites were carried out at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and all the samples of the system CoZnFe2O4 exhibited ferromagnetic behavior. •ZnxCo1-xFe2O4(x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) samples prepared by auto-combustion method.•The following samples exhibited single phase spinel structure without any secondary phases indicating the absence of impurities.•Crystallite sizes are calculated using Debye Sherrer formula and are less than 100 nm, indicating that the synthesized ferrites are nano in nature.•The lattice constant values of synthesized samples are in the range, as specified by the theory. FESEM results revealed that the morphology of the prepared Zn+2doped CoFe2O4 nano-particles are nearly spherical in shape.•The frequency dependence of dielectric constant and conductivity can be understood through Maxwell-Wagner type of interfacial polarisation.•The magnetic measurements confirm the ferromagnetic behavior of prepared samples.