Correlation between the physical properties and the novel applications of Mg_0.7Cu_0.3Fe₂O₄ nano-ferrites

Nano-ferrite of the general formula Mg_0.7Cu_0.3Fe₂O₄ was prepared by citrate-gel auto combustion method. The structure was studied by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The crystallite size of the investigated nano ferrite was ≅39 nm. The magnetic hysteresis measurements at different temperatures (100, 170, 240, and 300 K) were performed using a vibrating sample magnetometer. A correlation between magnetic behavior and lattice strain has been established. Arrott plot has been employed to understand the magnetic behavior of nano-crystalline Mg_0.7Cu_0.3Fe₂O₄. The magnetic susceptibility was carried out using Faraday’s method. Magnetic constants such as Curie temperature, effective magnetic moment, saturation magnetization, and coercivity were obtained and reported. Based on UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy studies, the optical band gaps are in the range from (1.3–1.9 eV), hence the investigated samples could act as visible light driven photo catalysts.