Ce and Er Doped Magnesium Ferrite Nanoparticles' Optical Characteristics Produced Using the Sol-Gel Combustion Technique

Abstract

MgCexFe2-xO4 and MgErxFe2-xO4(x = 0.00 - 0.30) ferrites samples crystallize in a single-phase cubic spinel structure (Fd-3m), according to Rietveld-refined XRD patterns. Successful Er integration is demonstrated by the excellent match between calculated and observed profiles as well as the lack of subsequent phases. Lattice distortion caused by Er replacement without symmetry modification is reflected in small peak shifts. MgErxFe2-xO4 nanoparticles.    MgCexFe2-xO4 and MgErₓFe₂₋ₓO₄ (x = 0.00 - 0.30) are cerium- and erbium-doped magnesium ferrite nanoferrites that were successfully synthesized to examine the impact of rare-earth substitution on their optical and dielectric characteristics. The samples' semiconducting nature was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic examination, which showed significant absorption in the ultraviolet range and a commensurate drop in transmittance. Due to altered electrical structure, defect states, and oxygen vacancies, rare-earth inclusion resulted in increased absorbance and decreased transmittance. Increased electronic polarizsability was shown by higher values of the refractive index, which showed normal dispersion behavior for doped compositions. Strong photon absorption and optical attenuation were reflected in the extinction coefficient, which significantly increased in the UV area and declined towards longer wavelengths. In line with changes in optical constants, reflectance spectra showed low values in the ultraviolet and progressive amplification in the visible-near infrared range. At longer wavelengths, the dielectric constant's real and imaginary parts showed anomalous dispersion and decreased dielectric losses; Ce and Er replacement allowed for systematic tailoring. MgFe₂O₄  nanoferrites' optical and dielectric response may be successfully tailored by rare-earth doping, indicating their potential for use in photonic systems, UV-blocking materials, optoelectronic devices, and photocatalysis.