Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Studies of Li-Zn-Ni Ferrites

Ni substituted Li–Zn ferrites with compositional formulas Li0.4-0.5xZn0.2NixFe2.4-0.5xO4, where x = 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1 in steps of 0.02, is synthesized by a chemical method using citrate precursors. The prepared ferrites are investigated for their structural, electrical and magnetic properties. Ni substitution significantly changes the characteristic properties of Li–Zn ferrites. There is an increase in grain growth as determined from SEM measurements. An increase in the room temperature DC resistivity is observed with the addition of Ni. The room temperature initial permeability shows an overall decrease with Ni concentration, which is explained with respect to saturation magnetization and supplemented by nuclear hyperfine field obtained from Mössbauer analysis. The variation of the complex permeability with frequency is measured over the frequency range of 100 Hz–1 MHz and dispersion is found. A possible mechanism contributing to the above process is discussed