Varistor response and structural analysation of silver mixed TiO2 (anatase) nanoparticles

In this research work, composite mixtures of TiO2 (anatase) and silver were investigated. The nano-scaled sample powders of anatase-TiO2 and Ag were synthesised using ultrasonic assisted sol-gel method and top-down method respectively. The content of silver was increased gradually to observe its effect on varistor properties of TiO2 nanopowders. Structural and surface analysis were done using various characterisation. TGA gave the calcination temperature at 450 degrees C in order to obtain anatase form. Slender tetragonal structure belonging to D-4h(19) I4(1)/amd space group and cubic structure in O(h)(5)Fm3m space group were obtained for TiO2 and Ag respectively. These results were confirmed from XRD and Raman Analysis. FESEM exhibited spherical shape for TiO2 nanopowders and also showed the cluster formation of Ag. Current versus voltage graphs were obtained to examine the extent of applicational prospects and it was observed that TiO2 sample mixtures gave small increase in current voltage values when used with single conductive material.