Structural and magnetic properties of tailored NiFe2O4 nanostructures synthesized using auto-combustion method

[Display omitted] •Samples are synthesized using auto-combustion method.•Structural, vibrational and magnetic characterization has been carried out for all samples.•An enhanced saturation magnetization has been identified in Cd-Sr modified NiFe2O4 at room temperature. Spinel ferrite nanoparticles have astounding uses in the diverse field of applications. The virgin nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4), and cadmium (Cd) and strontium (Sr) substituted nickel ferrite nanostructures were synthesized by a self-ignited auto-combustion method. Such ferrites were characterized at room temperature to determine their composition dependent structural and magnetic properties. XRD patterns revealed cubic spinel single phase. Raman spectra disclosed five active phonon modes assigned to the spinel phase. FTIR spectra of the proposed nanoferrites exhibited two prominent absorption bands allotted to the stretching vibrations of tetrahedral and octahedral complexes. FESEM images manifested the evolution of porous NiFe2O4 microstructures. Magnetic properties of these ferrites were determined in terms of saturation magnetization, magnetic moment and Y–K angles. The small ratios of remanent to saturation magnetization clearly demonstrated the existence of multi-domains in the grown nanoferrites. The observed enhanced magnetic performance was endorsed to the A-site substitution in the spinel structure.