Structural, morphological, luminescence, magnetic, and electrical transport properties of zinc-doped MnFe2O4 nanomaterials

Abstract

From citrate gel autocombustion method, Zn-substituted manganese ferrites, Mn1−xZnxFe2O4 (X = 0.0–1.0), have been fabricated. XRD studies exhibit cubic spinel structure with single phase, and there is no impurity with crystalline size which is 11–30 nm regions. From SEM, surface morphology revealed uniform of cubic face particles with some agglomerations. All the elemental ions are present in synthesized samples according to stoichiometric ration which were confirmed by EDS. The TEM studies confirmed the particle size and morphology of samples synthesized. Optical studies performed by UV–DRS spectroscopy showed a peak at 475 nm that shifts and to lower wavelength with increasing Zn concentration in samples. Luminescence properties were studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The stretching frequencies of prepared samples were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Magnetic properties of the synthesized materials were investigated from VSM at room temperature and as well as low-temperature field cooled and zero field cooled. The dielectric parameters dielectric constant $$ \varepsilon ' $$ and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) decreased with increasing frequency showing a normal ferrite behavior. The temperature-dependent dielectric studies showed a decrease in $$ \varepsilon ' $$ with an increasing temperature and Zn substitution. The variation in AC conductivity (σac) is due to polarons. The EIS of the sample revealed that the conductivity is mainly due to grain boundaries. The Cole–Cole impedance plots show semicircular behavior. Dielectric dispersion observed due to interfacial polarization of Maxwell–Wagner type. Dielectric loss tangent has been decreased with the increase of applied frequency.