Enhancement in the magnetic moment with Cr3+ doping and its effect on the magneto-structural properties of Ce0.1Y2.9Fe5O12

Abstract

A change in the overall magnetic moment of Cr³⁺ doped cubic garnet ferrites prepared by the modified sol–gel auto combustion method has been investigated. A systematic Crystal Field Theory (CFT) approach is utilized towards understanding this variation in the overall magnetic moment. The malate glycolate precursor obtained in the sol–gel autocombustion method proves to be efficient in the monophasic preparation of the garnet system. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirms the phase formation and purity. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy have been utilized to confirm the valence states of the elements and monophasic formation of the compounds. A change in the magnetic hyperfine field with doping is revealed by Mossbauer Spectroscopy. A Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) has been employed to probe the change in the magnetic properties with the change in the composition and temperature. The decrease in the magnitude of the antiferromagnetic interaction at a and d sites, with the inclusion of Cr³⁺ at the a site and a contribution of L–S coupling from the Cr³⁺ ions towards an increase in the resultant magnetic moment, is the significant finding of this investigation.