Abstract:
In our reported study, Magnesium substituted Zinc ferrite nano-particles (Zn1-xMgxFe2O4, where x=0.0, 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, 0.65, 0.80, 1.0) have been investigated. The samples were prepared via wet chemical co-precipitation route and were calcined at 800oC for six hours. Structural and dielectric properties of these samples were studied using XRD, SEM, FTIR and LCR meter. The XRD diffractograms confirmed the formation of FCC spinel structure with decreasing crystallite size from 19.2 nm to 34.2 nm without any additional impurity peak confirming the purity of the samples synthesized. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) lattice sites in the structure confirming the spinel structure of synthesized nanoparticles. The SEM images confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The agglomerates were also observed owing to the heat treatment (calcination) resulting in better diffusion of the atoms, causing the formation of agglomerates. No extra phase or impurity was found, confirming the effectiveness of co-precipitation route. The dielectric properties of the synthesized samples measured at room temperature against frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz showed good enhancement of dielectric constant (on the order of 104 at 100 Hz) which was comparable to traditional ceramics (having dielectric constant in the range of 104-106), which are often rendered suitable for super capacitor applications. The dielectric loss Furthermore, the low values of dielectric loss tangent at high frequencies verified its potential usage in microwave applications. Significant contribution of both long and short range order in hopping as well as increase in grain boundary density was confirmed by complex electric modulus analysis.
