Structural and Dielectric Properties of Cu_x Zn_1-x Fe₂O₄ (x = 0.2, 0.6, 0.8) Nano Particles

Abstract

Researchers widely investigate multi-ferrite nanoparticles due to their fascinating magnetic and electrical properties with satisfactory thermal and chemical stabilities. In the present work CuxZn1-xFe2O4(x = 0.2, 0.6, 0.8) were synthesized using the auto combustion method. The spinel structure of the prepared samples was verified using XRD. The compositional dependent dielectric and ac conductivity studies were performed using impedance spectroscopy technique. The dielectric properties, such as complex dielectric constant and impedance, have been studied as a function of frequency. Changes of dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) with the frequency have been studied to get information about the energy dispersed inside the materials. The ac conduction study, as a function of frequency, suggests the hopping conduction mechanism at the higher frequencies. From the complex impedance spectra (Nyquist plots or Cole-Cole plots), On the real axis, we identified a dispersion as opposed to a centered semicircle. This suggests a relaxation type other than Debye. The dielectric dispersion observed at lower frequencies can be explained using Koop’s phenomenological theory. Since many gases are released during mining and the investigated Cu2Fe2O4 is known to be an excellent gas sensor, this study helps to use it effectively in the mining sector.