Effect of La³⁺ Substitution on the Structure and Functional Properties of Mg-Co Ferrites for High-Frequency Technology

Abstract

The rich magnetic/electrical properties of spinel ferrites lead to multiple applications in modern electronic and high-frequency domains, making them one of the most commonly used magnetic ceramic materials. Such materials display high electrical resistivity, low eddy current losses, sufficient permeability and good thermal stability, making them ideal candidates for such components such as transformers/inductors/sensors/microwave devices/data storage systems. As nanotechnology develops, nanoscale ferrites (1–100 nm) have improved physical properties due to a large number of atoms existing at grain boundaries that yield increased surface energy and diffusion rates. Based on the building blocks of crystal structures, ferrites can be classified as spinel, garnet, orthoferrites and hexagonal [1]. Spinel ferrites are one of the most explored classes, with their compositional flexibility and tunable physical properties. Rare-earth elements, like Lanthanum (La³⁺), are frequently employed as dopants to improve certain properties of Mg–Co ferrite composition, resulting in interesting materials for advanced electronic applications.