Correlation of the physico chemical properties of Zn-substituted Li–La ferrite

The electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and the thermoelectric power of Zn-substituted Li–La mixed ferrite with formula Li0.5–0.5xZnxLayFe2.5–0.5x−yO4 at 0.1 ≤ x ≤0.9; y = 0.04 were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. X-ray analysis and Seebeck coefficient measurement were carried out in order to assure the formation of the sample in single spinel phase and to know the type of charge carriers participating in the conduction mechanism. The dependence of the electrical resistivity of Li–Zn ferrite on Zn content and temperature is explained on the basis of the cation distribution. The transition from the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state is accompanied by an increase in the thermo EMF. Li–Zn ferrite shows n- and p-types conductivity due to the presence of Fe2+ ions. The creation of lattice vacancies is due to the presence of Li ions which give rise of p-type conductivity.