This study systematically investigated the influence of microwave sintering power on the structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of Nd3+-doped Mg-Co-Cd ferrites. Rietveld refinement of x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel structure belonging to the Fd3m space group. The average crystallite size (D) was in the nanometer range (14-20 nm) and was observed to decrease with increasing microwave power. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra exhibited characteristic absorption bands corresponding to the stretching vibrations of Mtetra-O and Mocta-O bonds, further confirming the proper formation of the spinel structure. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs revealed spherical nanoparticles in the nanoregime. DC electrical resistivity measurements demonstrated semiconductor-like behavior. Magnetic analysis using hysteresis curves confirmed the material’s soft magnetic ferrite nature. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of 131.31 emu/g was achieved at 40 W, indicating that the magnetic properties are highly tunable by varying the microwave sintering power. These findings highlight the efficiency of the microwave-assisted sol–gel route for synthesizing high-quality, homogeneous Nd3+-substituted Mg-Co-Cd nanoferrites, making them suitable for diverse magnetic and electronic applications.
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