Sol–gel synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of nanoscale M-type barium hexaferrites BaCoxZrxFe(12−2x)O19

We have accomplished a low temperature sol–gel synthesis of nanocrystalline M-type hexaferrites BaCoxZrxFe(12−2x)O19 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0). These compounds were characterized by TGA–DTA, FT-IR, XRD, EDS and TEM. X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate that the compounds are single phase M-type barium hexagonal ferrites (BHF) and maximum substitution is attained at x=1.0. The average size of the hexagonal platelets is 41.62nm. MS is employed to probe the magnetic properties at microscopic levels. MS studies suggest that both the nature and concentration of dopant ions control site preferences in the crystal lattice. Substitution is preferred at 4f2 and 2b sites at x=0.4, 4f1 and 4f2 sites at x=0.6 and 2a and 2b sites at x=1.0 levels. M vs H studies reveal that on substitution MS vary only slightly from 63.63 to 56.94emu/g while a drastic reduction has been observed in HC from 5428 to 630Oe. High MS and low HC values of these materials make them particularly suitable for application in data recording. Our results also show that HC can be monitored independently while retaining high saturation magnetization of BHF by making coupled substitution of divalent (Co2+) and tetravalent (Zr4+) cations for Fe3+ ions. •Nanosized M-type BHF have been synthesized via the sol–gel method.•MS and M vs H results show that MS and HC are related to the distribution of dopant ions on the five sites.•Both the nature and concentration of dopant control the site preferences.•MS remains nearly constant (56.94–63.63emu/g) whereas HC shows stricking fall (5428–630Oe).•High MS and low HC make these compounds highly suitable for data recording application.