Green combustion synthesis of Mg-substituted Zn–Cu ferrites with tuned dielectric–magnetic properties for high-frequency and electromagnetic applications
摘要
Magnesium-doped zinc–copper (Zn–Cu) ferrite nanoparticles with the composition Zn0.5Cu0.5MgxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.1–0.5) were synthesized using Phyllanthus emblica (amla) bark extract as a green combustion fuel. Their structural, morphological, vibrational, dielectric, and magnetic properties were systematically analyzed to assess the impact of Mg substitution on the ferrite system. FESEM revealed nearly spherical nanoparticles with uniform morphology. Raman spectra showed characteristic A1g and Eg spinel modes, while the T2g(3) band (500–590 cm−1) weakened with increasing Mg content, accompanied by a new band above 700 cm−1 due to lattice distortion and cation redistribution. Dielectric studies were conducted across a broad frequency range (1 Hz to 10 MHz) to evaluate performance from low-frequency energy storage to high-frequency electromagnetic applications. The measurements exhibited strong frequency dispersion, with the highest dielectric constant (ε′ = 449) for M3 at ~ 1 Hz. The dielectric constant decreased at higher frequencies owing to Maxwell–Wagner polarization and electron hopping, while M4 displayed the lowest dielectric loss (tan δ = 0.12) at ~ 1 Hz, indicating suitability for high-frequency use. Magnetic measurements confirmed soft ferrimagnetic behavior with narrow hysteresis loops and low coercivity (9–21 Oe). Saturation magnetization (54.63–17.07 emu/g) varied systematically with Mg content due to A–B superexchange competition and Fe3+ dilution by nonmagnetic Mg2+ ions. This work represents a systematic study employing Phyllanthus emblica bark extract for green synthesis of Mg-doped Zn–Cu ferrites, revealing composition-dependent optimization of dielectric-magnetic properties. The combined dielectric–magnetic tunability and eco-friendly synthesis demonstrate the potential of Mg-substituted Zn–Cu ferrites for high-frequency electronic and electromagnetic applications, including transformer cores, inductors, and EMI shielding devices.