Investigation of enhanced dielectric and electrical properties of terbium doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present investigation, we have synthesized terbium (Tb) doped nickel ferrite (NFO) nanoparticles in sol- gel technique. The presence of the orthorhombic phase of terbium ferrite (TbFeO3) is observed, other than nickel ferrite (NFO) phase. Observed DC and AC conductivities are explained by Arrhenius equation and CBH model respectively. Activation energy is enhanced in higher temperature region than lower temperature. The creation of permanent polarization gives a loop in I-V spectroscopy study at 313 K. This hysteresis behaviour may have potential application in storage devices. The high value of dielectric constant (360 at T=303 K) is achieved by Tb+3 doping in NFO nanoparticles. Electric modulus study confirms the presence of a non-Debye type of relaxation behaviour within the Tb-NFO nanoparticles.