Abstract
This study expressed the influence of Tm substitution on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of Co-Zn spinel ferrites (Co0.7Zn0.3TmxFe2-xO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.04)). The different compositions were synthesized by sonochemical method using Qsonica ultrasonic homogenizer, frequency: 20 kHz and power: 70 W for 60 min. XRD patterns proved the presence of single-phase spine] ferrites with crystallites size in the 8-10 nm range. Cation distribution approved the occupancy of octahedral (B) site by Tm. The morphology and the elements stoichiometry are obtainable through FE-SEM, EDX and elemental mapping. Optical band gap (E-g) values were estimated via DR % (percent diffuse reflectance) investigations and Kubelka-Munk theory. Tauc plots revealed that direct E-g values are ranging between 1.49 and 1.68 eV. The analyses of magnetization versus magnetic field, M(H), were performed. The following magnetic parameters like saturation magnetization M-s squareness ratio (SQR = M-r/M-s), magnetic moment n(B), coercivity H-c and remanence M-r have been evaluated. M(H) curves revealed the superparamagnetic (SP) at RT and ferromagnetic property at 10 K. It was showed that the Tm3+ substitutions significantly affect the magnetic properties of host spinel ferrites. An increasing trend in the M-s, M-r, H-c, and n(B) values was noticed for lower Tm3+ substitution content.