The structural, electrical and dielectric properties of the spinel ferrite system
ZnxCo1−xFeAlO4
(x = 0.2–0.5) have been studied by means of various experimental techniques. Polycrystalline samples
of this series have been prepared by the double sintering ceramic method. The structural
parameters such as the lattice constant, x-ray density, pore fraction, cation distribution,
interionic distances and polaron radius have been determined for better understanding of
the electrical and dielectric behaviour. The compositional and thermal variations of the
electrical properties have been studied by means of dc resistivity, thermoelectric power,
I–V
and C–V
measurements. The electrical parameters such as the activation energy, Fermi energy,
charge carrier concentration and mobility have been determined and a probable conduction
mechanism in the system has been suggested. It is found that the ferrites are electronic
conductors, and various results confirm the formation of small polarons. Current
controlled negative resistance (CCNR)-type switching is observed in samples with
x = 0.3–0.5. The dielectric behaviour of the system has been studied by measuring the dielectric
constant, complex dielectric constant and conductivity in the frequency range
100 Hz–1 MHz at selected temperatures. The compositions exhibit normal dielectric
behaviour, attributed to Maxwell–Wagner type interfacial polarization. Broadband
dielectric spectroscopy in the form of an electric modulus has been applied to
investigate the electrical spectroscopy in a wide temperature range. The results
clearly indicate the presence of the non-Debye type of dielectric relaxation in these
materials.
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