Synthesis, Structural, Magnetic and High-Frequency Electrical Properties of Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4/Polypyrrole Core-Shell Composite Using Waste Batteries

In the present work, the prepared Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 ferrites (MZF) via recycling process of Zn-C batteries and auto-combustion route (using different fuels) were used to synthesize MZF/polypyrroly (PPy) nanocomposites via the in-situ polymerization technique. The core-shell structure formed was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The thermogravimetric measurements suggests that the presence of MZF was found to catalyze PPy thermal decomposition and decreasing its thermal stability through increasing its exposed surface. The coreshell structure was found also to vanish the MZF magnetic properties through the insulation effect of the non-magnetic PPy coat. A possible schematic diagram for the core-shell formation mechanism was suggested and discussed. AC-conductivity vs. temperature clearly reveals a metallic behavior of all the samples with a dramatic increase in the MZF conductivities by addition of PPy. The main conduction mechanism was found to be through polarons. The higher dielectric values obtained suggests their use as a microwave absorbing materials besides being a promising candidates in the electromagnetic shielding applications. Generally, we can conclude that, the complete coating of MZF particles with PPy not only greatly influence the magnetic property but also greatly affected and improved the electrical properties. The ferrites' preparation method was found not to affect the structural, magnetic or electrical properties owing to the core- shell structure formed.