Exploring the synthesis, characterization, electrical, and magnetic behavior of crystalline Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles

A versatile material family, Ni_1-xZn_xFe₂O₄ with x = 0.4 and 0.6, was synthesized via the chemical combustion method. The structural, opto-electrical, and magnetic properties were investigated using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The XRD validates the cubic spinel-type arrangement within the Fd3m space group and reveals the crystalline sizes for x = 0.4 and 0.6 to be 45 and 39 nm, respectively. Furthermore, for the surface morphology of the sample and elemental stoichiometry, the SEM and EDS were studied. The UV–Vis spectroscopy and FTIR studies reveal the alternation of structure and modifications in the optical band gap of x = 0.4 and 0.6 as 2.0 and 2.18 eV, respectively, resulting from the incorporation of Zn ions. The XPS analysis was carried out to confirm the chemical bonding environment of elements and binding energy. The magnetization behavior at room temperature demonstrated a decrease in the magnetic saturation (Ms) of Ni ferrite with an increase in Zn content. The electrical characteristics indicated semiconductor-like behavior for both samples. Further, the impedance measurement is consistent for double and single semicircular arcs at the chosen temperature. This observation underscores the significant role of grain and grain boundaries influencing magnetic properties. The values of the dielectric constants (ε′) were evaluated within the 20 Hz to 5 MHz frequency range under varying temperatures, demonstrating a pronounced decrease with rising frequency.