Abstract
Ba1−xZnxFe12O19 (0.0≤x≤0.3) hexaferrites were produced via sol-gel auto combustion technique. XRD patterns show that all the samples are single-phase M-type barium hexaferrite (BaM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that grains have a size range of 0.5–2µm. The magnetic hysteresis (σ-H) loops revealed the ferromagnetic nature of NPs. The average crystallite sizes were calculated by applying Scherrer equation on the base of XRD powder patterns of all samples and found to be in the range of 16.78–48.34nm. In particular, Ba1−xZnxFe12O19 (0.0≤x≤0.3) hexaferrites have suitable magnetic characteristics (saturation magnetization in a range of 63.00–67.70emu/g and coercive field in a range of 822–1275Oe) for magnetic recording and permanent magnets. Effective crystalline anisotropy constants (Keff) are between 4.20×105 and 4.84×105Erg/g. Magnetic moment increased by the substitution of non-magnetic Zn2+ ions. The anisotropy field (Ha) or intrinsic coercivity values above 13255Oe reveals that all samples are magnetically hard materials. Tauc plots were drawn to specify the direct optical energy band gap (Eg) of NPs. The Eg values are in a narrow range between 1.69eV and 1.76eV.
•Diamagnetic Zn2+ ionsubstitution on magnetic and optical properties of barium hexaferrite has been investigated.•All products are ferromagnetic.•The grain sizes are much larger than the critical dimension of 431nm to exhibit single-domain nature.