Influence of gadolinium on magnetization and DC resistivity of Ni–Zn nanoferrites

The study of gadolinium substitution in small amounts on the saturation magnetization and DC resistivity of nickel–zinc nanoferrite has led to the understanding of the degree of formation of a secondary orthoferrite GdFeO3 phase, the generation of cationic and oxygen vacancies and the dilution of gadolinium in the lattice. The role of secondary phase in modifying the electromagnetic properties has been stressed by making further investigations on the Curie temperature and the activation energies. ► Influence of gadolinium on Ni–Zn nanoferrite. ► Formation of GdFeO3 secondary phase. ► Significant role of secondary phase in controlling magnetization. ► Discussion about rare-earth-iron ion interactions.