Effect of Cr³⁺ substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of Co_0.5Cu_0.25Mg_0.25Fe_2−xCr_xO₄ nano ferrites

Nano-ferrite materials with the chemical compositions Co_0.5Cu_0.25Mg_0.25Fe_2-xCr_xO₄ (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25) were synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion method. These materials were then subjected to analytical characterizations to investigate their structural and magnetic properties. The study investigates the impact of Cr³⁺ substitution on these nano-ferrites' structural and magnetic properties, a class of materials renowned for their versatile applications in modern technology. The sol–gel auto-combustion method, known for its precision in controlling composition and homogeneity at the nanoscale, was employed to synthesize these materials with varying levels of Cr³⁺ substitution. The structural evolution of the synthesized samples was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing insights into the crystalline phases, lattice parameters, and potential changes in the overall structure due to Cr³⁺ incorporation.Magnetic properties, including saturation magnetization, coercivity, and magnetic anisotropy, were systematically investigated using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The intricate interplay between Cr³⁺ ions and the existing metal ions within the nano ferrite matrix was explored to elucidate the observed magnetic transformations. The results indicate that Cr³⁺ substitution induces significant alterations in the nano ferrites' crystal structure and magnetic behavior, providing valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing these changes. The sol–gel auto-combustion synthesis method, coupled with Cr³⁺ substitution, emerges as a promising avenue for tailoring the properties of Co–Cu-Mg nano ferrites for specific applications. The findings from this study contribute to the fundamental understanding of the role of Cr³⁺ in shaping the structural and magnetic characteristics of nano ferrites, opening avenues for the design and development of advanced materials with enhanced performance in diverse technological domains.