The influence of Cu 2+ substitution on theoretical and experimental magneto-mechanical properties of Mg–Zn nanoferrites

The magneto-mechanical Mg–Zn–Cu spinel ferrites with chemical formula Mg0.8Zn0.2−xCuxFe2O4; (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2; step 0.04) (MZC) were synthesized via a combustion method. The spinel structure of MZC nanoparticles is asserted by XRD and FTIR analysis. An excellent compatibility between theoretical and experimental structural, mechanical, and magnetic results is obtained, confirming the validity of cations distribution. Although the substitution process is a smaller ion, Cu2+, at expense of a larger one, Zn2+, lattice parameter doesn’t introduce a decrement behavior. This behavior was interpreted by the cations distribution impact. From Williamson–Hall plots, the crystallite size spans between 37 and 47 nm with positive lattice strain, affirming that MZC nanoferrites possess tensile strain. FESEM depicts nanosized spongy shapes with entity of porous. EDAX spectra reveal the presence of all chemical elements. HRTEM and SAED micrographs confirmed the polycrystalline nanosized nature of samples. Crystallite size was the main reason for nanoferrite Mg0.8Zn0.04Cu0.16Fe2O4 (x = 0.16) to have the highest elastic moduli comparing with the virgin nanoferrite; Young’s modulus is doubled. Cation distribution and crystallite size are the main reasons for the nanoferrite Mg0.8Zn0.12Cu0.08Fe2O4 to have the highest saturation magnetization (43.39 emu/g) with the lowest coercive field (72.79 G). The optimum features of the nanoferrite Mg0.8Zn0.12Cu0.08Fe2O4, higher magnetization, lower coercivity, and moderate elastic parameters make it advisable for various applications, especially for microwave devices.