Structure dependent electrical properties of Ni-Mg-Cu nano ferrites

Nano ferrites with the general chemical formula Ni0.5MgxCu1-x Fe2O4 were synthesized by chemical route. They were characterized by x-ray diffraction by powder method. The diffraction patterns confirm the formation of single phase ferrites. The particle size is calculated by Scherrer formula which varies between 20nm to 60nm. DC resistivity was measured as a function of composition from room temperature to 700o C by two probe method. These ferrites show higher resistivity than those synthesized by ceramic method, due to control over composition and morphology. This leads to the elimination of domain wall resonance so that the materials can work at higher frequencies. AC resistivity was measured as a function of frequency at room temperature. Dielectric dispersion obeys Maxwell - Wagner model, in accordance with Koop’s phenomenological theory. The variation of loss angle follows the variation of ac resistivity with frequency and composition. The change in ac conductivity with frequency obeys the power law σ a = B.ωn . Such a behavior suggests that conductivity is due to polarons in all the samples.