Modulation of morphological, optical and magnetic properties of Cr-doped La0.9Ce0.1FeO3 nanoferrites synthesized by surface-active ionic liquid aided hydrothermal route

The impact of doping of Cr ion on structural, magnetic and optical properties of La 0.9 Ce 0.1 Fe 1-x Cr x O 3 nanoferrites synthesized by surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL) aided hydrothermal route has been investigated. The presence of different oxidation state of Cr leads to appearance of secondary phases in Cr-doped La 0.9 Ce 0.1 Fe 1-x Cr x O 3 samples as indicated by results obtained from XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Mӧssbauer spectroscopy and magnetic studies also revealed structural distortion and formation of mixed phases in Cr-doped samples. The random occupancy by Cr at Fe-site leads to decrease in magnetization. The use of SAILs for preparation of nanoferrites helped to achieve directional growth of nanoparticles as suggested by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is anticipated that present study would help to understand the role of Cr ion in modulating various physico-chemical properties of La 0.9 Ce 0.1 FeO 3 .