Ferrites with general formula Ni(1−x)CoxFe2O4
(where x = 0.0,0.2,0.4,0.6
and 0.8) were prepared by the conventional double sintering ceramic method. The
microstructural features were observed by scanning electron microscopy. An infrared
spectroscopy study shows the presence of absorption bands in the higher frequency range around
578 cm−1 (ν1) and in the lower
frequency range around 396 cm−1 (ν2); these indicate the presence of tetrahedral and octahedral group complexes, respectively,
within the spinel phase. In an effort to understand the conduction mechanism, complex
impedance measurements were carried out. The results of complex impedance
measurements show that as the cobalt concentration increases, the total impedances (Z′ and
Z′′) decrease. The
dielectric permittivity (ε′) was measured at room temperature (300 K) as a function of frequency from 20 Hz to
1 MHz; it shows the usual dielectric dispersion due to the Maxwell–Wagner type of
interfacial polarization. Increase of the dielectric permittivity is observed with
increase of the cobalt concentration in the nickel ferrite matrix. AC conductivity (σAC) measurements made in the frequency range 100 Hz–1 MHz suggest that the conduction is
due to small polaron hopping.