Cationic redistribution induced magnetic properties of Zn²⁺ substituted MgFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite

The effect of Zn incorporation on the cationic redistribution and consequent magnetic properties of Mg_1-xZn_xFe₂O₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) spinels are reported. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies reveal mixed spinel structures with cations occupying both octahedral and tetrahedral sublattices. Raman measurements show increased structural disorder with increasing Zn-content and A_1g mode splitting attributed to peaks of Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Fe³⁺ ions. The isothermal magnetization data reveal a maximum of 102 emu/g at x = 0.4, accompanied by a minimum in the coercivity (∼28 Oe) and a downward shift of the transition in temperature for x > 0.4. The temperature-dependent dc-magnetic susceptibility analysis shows a shifting of the transition region from the paramagnetic phase into the ferrimagnetic phase towards the lower temperature side with increasing Zn concentration. These materials synthesized by the low-cost solid-state method might revisit understanding Zn²⁺-induced cationic exchange in MgFe₂O₄ and find applications as a potential soft-magnetic material.