Synthesis and characterizations of Mg-Cu-Co-Dy ferrites and their composites with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP)

Nanocrystalline spinel ferrite Mg0.5Cu0.25Co0.25Fe1.97Dy0.03O4 (MCCD-ferrites) and their composites with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP =0.0%, 1.25% 2.5%, 3.75%, 5%) were prepared by sol-gel technique and sintered at 850 oC for 5 hours. Measurements in the areas of X-ray diffraction, electrical, optical, dielectric and magnetic properties were used to analyze the effects of the inclusion of graphene with ferrite nanoparticles. The crystallite size was determined in the range of 27.62 – 41.46 (nm). The optical bandgap was found in the range of 3.50 eV to 2.88 eV. The dielectric loss was measured between 8 Hz and 8 MHz at room temperature (RT). Magnetic characteristics of the materials are measured and calculated. The magnetic performances of MCCDF-GNP Composites nanoparticles are improved with an increase in saturation (Ms) magnetization. This material can be utilized for humidity sensors, antennae, and micro memory chips.