Microstructure, magnetic, and dielectric interplay in NiCuZn ferrite with rare earth doping for magneto-dielectric applications

•The homogeneous conglomerates were achieved by novel sol-gel auto-ignition method.•The critical role of Nd and La is evaluated.•The cation distribution, electrical, and magnetic parameters exhibits inter dependence. The homogeneous conglomerate of ferrite oxide samples with increasing concentration of Neodymium and Lanthanum in the steps 0.02 with the chemical formula Ni0.6Cu0.2Zn0.2Fe2-x(Nd0.5La0.5)xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) were achieved by novel citric acid-metal nitrate sol–gel auto-ignition method. The nano-regime crystallites products were achieved by using Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Nd and Fe nitrates and keeping the metal nitrate to citrate ratio 1:1. The products of ensured recipe in the form of chemical formula resulted in precursor powders were calcined for removal of desiccated impurities. The ready blends were subjected to an exhaustive examination with distinctive characterizations. The completion of the reaction and phase formation temperature was confirmed by thermal analysis and structural confirmations were received by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The analytics regarding the local symmetry in crystalline solids and understandings about the ordering phenomenon were discussed with the support of FTIR spectra. The diffractograms contributed to the corroboration that the powders obtained were bearing single phase and spinel structure. Evaluation of TEM and DLS confirms fine particle nature of the particles. SEM analysis and EDAX indicated that the samples were having dense, homogeneous and expected stoichiometric cation ratios. The neodymium and lanthanum content influenced the measured saturation magnetization negatively and coercivity positively. The heightened values in electrical conductivity, high ε′ and low dielectric losses in combination with high saturation magnetization, low coercivity, observed in the present samples make them prospect candidate for microwave and electromagnetic shielding applications.