Structural, elastic, ferroelectric, optical and zeta potential studies of potassium substituted magnesium ferrite nanoparticles for its applications

The potatium(K + ) substituted MgFe 2 O 4 nanomaterials using citrate precursor technique were prepared using chemical based sol-gel method. The XRD examination confirmed the production of the pure crystalline phase of MgFe 2 O 4 with cubic spinel structure (Fd-3m space group. The X ray density, crystallite size of Mg 1-x K x Fe 2 O 4 (x= 0 and 0.1) were determined to be between 7.99-34.60 nm and 4.054-4.926 g/cm 3 , respectively. Electron density mapping performed by the GFourier program of Rietveld refinement with full-proof software indicate electron density, different color indicate presence of Fe, Mg and O. Bending and stretching molecular vibrations were discovered within the range 435-3440 cm −1 by FTIR spectroscopy. MgFe 2 O 4 formation in the spinel phase is indicated by the existence of Mg-O bonds at 570–572 cm −1 and Fe–O bonds at 435–440 cm −1 . The results for elastic characteristics indicate that the stiffness constant has decreased that suggests that as the amount of substitution increases, the interatomic binding force continuously weakens, resulting in decreases in the shear modulus (G), bulk modulus (B), and elastic modulus Y (Young's modulus). The optical properties using UV-Spectroscopy give the direct band gap in the range of 2.66 eV. The P-E loop constraints like coercivity, remenant polarization and saturation polarization are found in the range of 0.894-2.692 KV/cm, 3.777-32.817 µC/cm 2 and 9.996-15.093 µC/cm 2 at 3 KV. The region with a high PE loop displayed the lossy conductive nature of prepared sample. Pure magnesium ferrite has the lowest zeta potential absolute values-6.12 mV, while highest value -24.91mV with Potassium substituted. The prepared materials exhibit semiconductor-like energy band gaps, pronounced ferroelectric behavior, and tunable elastic constants, alongside increased zeta potential, collectively enhancing interfacial stability and thereby supporting reliable functional performance for industrial applications.