XAFS and XPS studies on site occupation of Sm3+ ions in Sm doped M-type BaFe12O19

M-type barium hexaferrites doped with Sm3+, Ba1−xSmxFe12O19 (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30, 0.50) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Occupation of Sm3+ ions in Ba1−xSmxFe12O19 was investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectrum. The changes of crystal cell volume and valency of Sm, Ba and Fe ions indicated that Sm3+ occupied Ba2+ sites and Fe3+ ions were partially reduced to Fe2+ ions to keep the valence neutrality.