The structure, correlated vibrations, optical parameters and metallization criterion of Mn–Zn–Cr nanoferrites

This study presents the optical, structural and metallization criterion studies of the Mn–Zn–Cr nanoferrites, prepared by citrate–nitrate combustion method. These nanomaterials were studied using density, FTIR and optical spectroscopy measurements. The molar volume and lattice parameter values showed decrement trends with further Cr3+ content, whereas the density showed an increment one. Since most of the bands in the range of interest in FTIR and optical absorbance are wide and asymmetric, besides some shoulders, a deconvolution (deconvolution to their component bands) of the experimental spectra becomes compulsory. Further, this deconvolution helps to show the hidden absorption bands. The obtained bands from this deconvolution and their relative areas were employed to study the elastic properties according to novel method. The trends of optical band gap (EOpt) and metallization criterion (MMC) are opposite to that for Urbach energy (EU). Where the values of EOpt are increased from 3.33 to 3.4 eV and $${M}_{\mathrm{MC}}$$ values are increased from 0.408 to 0.412 eV1/2. Meanwhile, EU values are decreased from 0.107 to 0.081 eV with further Cr3+ substitution. Based on the obtained values of MMC, for Mn–Zn–Cr ferrite can be utilized for a new generation of nonlinear optical materials.