Structural and electrical properties of Zinc doped Nickel ferrites nanoparticles prepared via facile combustion technique

Abstract

Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles with a composition of Ni(1-x)ZnxFe2O4 (0.0 ≤ X ≤ 1.0) have been successfully prepared via facile combustion technique using urea as a fuel. The structural and electrical properties of the samples were studied using Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Infrared (FITR) Spectroscopy measurements. The PXRD analysis of all the samples shows the cubic phase without any impurity peaks. The average particle sizes were calculated by Scherrer's formula and W-H plots were found to be in the range of (20–36) nm. The SEM image shows the agglomeration and flakes type nanoparticles with many void spaces due to exhaust of gases. FTIR spectra of the samples show the nature of the chemical bonds. The dielectric parameters of the prepared nanoparticles were studied before and after γ-irradiation. The dielectric constant, loss tangent and AC conductivity were determined as a function of frequency at RT. These properties of the samples show that they are suitable material for absorption of energy at higher frequencies and good materials for electromagnetic interference suppression and microwave application. These dielectric properties form the basis for the technologies in space telecommunication and radar systems. The high D.C. resistivity and conductivity are the desired characteristics of NiFe2O4: Zn nanoparticles used to prepare Ferro fluids and magnetic coating.