Effect of yttrium ion on electrical and magnetic properties of barium based spinel ferrites

Sol–gel technique is utilized to produce the series of ferrite having chemical formula BaYyFe2-yO4 (y = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10). The cubic structure of all the samples have been revealed through X-ray diffraction data. The inclusion of yttrium content among the ferrites beyond 0.06, it will result into development of YFeO3 secondary phase. The lattice parameter of samples upsurges with the substitution of yttrium ions (Y3+). Jump lengths on A & B sites, bond lengths and ionic radii have direct relation with yttrium concentration. The evaluation of electrical parameters reveal that the resistivity, activation energy and bond length increased with the growth of yttrium. Below the Curie temperature, the movement of electrons and holes is main cause of conduction mechanism. But above this temperature, the polaron hopping handle the conduction process. With the addition of yttrium, the saturation magnetization value decreased. Coercivity of samples enlarged with the substitution of yttrium ions. The involvement of yttrium ion in barium ferrite system makes it appropriate for high frequency appliances.