Structural and electrical studies of Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3-ZnO nanocomposites

(1-x)Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3-(x)ZnO (x = 0; 5; 10; 15; 100 wt%) nanocomposites were prepared through solid state mixing method. The ZnO nanoparticles as filler were incorporated into Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3 matrix. The phase confirmation was carried out using X-ray diffraction. The dc four probe method was performed to characterize the electrical properties. The dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles into the matrix up to 15%wt reduced the electrical resistivity value compared to the pure Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3 and exhibited semiconductor nature. The differential method (heating mode) was carried out to characterize the thermoelectric properties. The negative values of seebeck coefficient indicate the n-type semiconducting nature of prepared nanocomposites. The 10 wt% of ZnO nano dispersion has the highest power factor value with increment of one order magnitude that of matrix at 673 K. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles dispersion could be an alternative way to improve the thermoelectric performance of Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3 for medium temperature application. Figure represents the X-Ray Diffraction Patterns and Power Factor evolution with temperature for (1-x)Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3-(x)ZnO (x = 0; 5; 10; 15; 20 wt%) nanocomposites. [Display omitted] •Novel (1-x)Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3- (x)ZnO (x = 0; 5; 10; 15; 100 wt%) nanocomposites were prepared for the first time.•The effect on the electrical properties of Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3 matrix due to ZnO nanodispersion was investigated.•The 10 wt% of ZnO nanodispersion in the Ca0.9Sr0.1MnO3 matrix possesses highest power factor value at 673 K.