Advancing ZMF-spinel ferrites with Gd3+ doping: structural, magneto-optical enhancements, and superior gamma-ray shielding for high-tech applications

In this investigation, the incorporation of Gd3+ ions into ZMF-spinel ferrites through the citrate sol-gel auto-combustion method significantly modified their structural, magneto-optical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties. Doping levels were varied across samples labeled ZMF0 to ZMF4 with Gd3+ concentrations ranging from 0.000 to 0.100. Advanced characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, alongside UV-vis spectroscopy and VSM measurements, highlighted the profound impact of Gd3+ doping. Notably, the incorporation of Gd3+ led to nano-sized cubic structures with an optimized crystallite size of 19.82 nm in the ZMF4 sample, and a notable reduction in the band gap from 3.21 eV to 2.99 eV was observed, indicative of enhanced electronic properties. Magnetic analysis revealed a transition towards superparamagnetic behavior, with a decrease in coercivity and squareness ratios, suggesting applications in areas such as data storage and optical waveguides. Furthermore, the study leveraged FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations to assess the gamma-ray shielding efficiency of these materials. It was found that increasing Gd3+ concentration or sample thickness markedly improved radiation attenuation, highlighting the material’s enhanced shielding capabilities against a range of photon energies. The most significant findings included the optimized sample (ZMF4) displaying superior magneto-optical characteristics and outstanding gamma-ray shielding performance, especially at higher Gd3+ levels. This investigation underlines the critical role of Gd3+ doping in advancing the functional properties of ZMF-spinel ferrites for technological and radiation protection applications, showcasing the potential of tailored nanomaterials in addressing complex challenges in material science. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. Gd3+ ion doping in ZMF-spinel ferrites reduced crystallite sizes to an optimal 19.82 nm, significantly enhancing their magneto-optical properties. Spectral analysis showed a noticeable blue shift in band edge absorption, with optical band gaps narrowing from 3.21 eV to 2.99 eV, indicating improved electronic properties. Magnetic assessments revealed a transition to soft magnetic behavior and identified superparamagnetic regions, broadening potential technological applications. FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that increased Gd3+ concentration and sample thickness significantly boost the material’s gamma-ray shielding efficiency. The study’s comprehensive analysis establishes ZMF-spinel ferrites doped with Gd3+ ions as promising candidates for advanced applications, including radiation protection and energy systems. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024..