Investigations on Cu2+-substituted Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles

CuxNi(1-x)/2Zn(1-x/2Fe2O4 (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The developed nanoparticles were characterized for structural properties by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Peak position in the X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the single spinel phase of the developed particles. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy in mid-IR range showed the presence of characteristic absorption bands corresponding to octahedral and tetrahedral bonds in the spinel structure of prepared samples. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements showed a considerable weight loss in the developed samples above 700 degrees C. Frequency dependence of the electrical properties of the developed material pellets was studied in the frequency range of 1 kHz-5 MHz. Temperature dependence of the dielectric constant of Cu0.1Ni0.45Zn0.45Fe2O4 was studied at different temperatures, i.e. at 425, 450 and 475 K, in the frequency range of 1 kHz 5 MHz. It was found that the electrical conductivity decreases with increasing Cu2+ ion content while it increases with the increase in temperature.