Synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of copper substituted nickel manganite

Highlights: ► Novel Ni1−xCuxMn2O4 manganite system. ► Sol–gel method for synthesis. ► VSM analysis. - Abstract: The nanocrystalline Ni1−xCuxMn2O4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) manganites were synthesized by sol–gel autocombustion method. X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure for all the compositions studied. Lattice parameter values show a decreasing trend with an increase in Cu content. Thermal analysis of the precursor after autocombustion was carried out using TG–DTA technique. Formation of spherical nanoparticles was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analysis as obtained by EDAX is in close agreement with the expected composition from the stoichiometry of reactant solutions used. The nano-sized grain structure formation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic data indicates that, all the compositions are ferrimagnetic in nature. The detailed results of XRD, thermal analysis, SEM, EDAX, TEM, electrical and magnetic properties indicating the role of substitution of copper ions on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of nickel manganite are presented.