Advanced Physical Research

This study systematically investigates the structural, vibrational, and magnetic properties of Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x = 0-0.5) spinel ferrites synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The properties were investigated using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and magnetic measurements. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data confirmed that all samples were single-phase and crystallized in the cubic spinel structure with the Fd3̅m space group. Raman spectroscopy and XPS analyses further revealed the redistribution of cations between the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites, with Zn²⁺ preferentially occupying the A sites and promoting the redistribution of Fe³⁺ ions to the B sites. Magnetic measurements revealed ferrimagnetic behavior for all compositions. The saturation magnetization increased with increasing Zn content up to x = 0.3; this increase can be attributed to the enhanced net magnetic moment of the B sublattice. At higher Zn concentrations, the saturation magnetization then decreased slightly due to the weakening of the A–B superexchange interaction. Overall, the results show that Zn-induced cation redistribution between the A and B sites governs the ferrimagnetic response of Co_1-xZn_xFe₂O₄, with the competition between the enhanced B-sublattice moment and the weakened A-B super exchange interaction setting the composition dependence of the saturation magnetization.