Synthesis and ac electrical characterization of nickel oxide nanofibers

Abstract

In this study, we present the synthesis of nickel oxide nanofibers through electrospinning technique at optimum processing and heat treatment conditions. The diameter and uniformity of electro-spun nickel oxide nanofibers were investigated as a function of PVP concentration. Uniform and homogeneous composite nanofibers were observed for PVP:Ni(CH3COO)2·H2O ratio of 1:1. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy of samples calcined at 600 °C revealed the formation of uniform but porous single phase nickel oxide nanofibers of an average diameter Electrical properties of nickel oxide nanofibers, obtained at optimum conditions, were studied using inter-digitated electrodes type device. Temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy revealed different electro-active regions (grain and grain boundaries) and their activation energies were 0.24 and 0.36 eV, respectively. These results suggested less resistive grain than grain boundary in the employed temperature range, and hence, two different transport mechanisms.