Silver–Nickel Bimetallic Nanowire-Based Transparent Thin-Film Spin-Glass Systems for Magnetic Sensor Applications

Silver–nickel bimetallic nanowire-containing transparent thin films (TFs) were investigated for their electrical and magnetic properties. A facile sol–gel technique followed by an electrodeposition process was used to fabricate these samples. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the constituent elements and to explain their electrical and magnetic properties. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy provided the details of microstructural features. Zero field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) studies indicated the existence of spin glass (SG), which was thoroughly investigated following FC and ZFC memory effects along with relaxation dynamic studies. Scaling law and Vogel–Fulcher law substantiated the presence of the SG phase. Magnetodielectric results were explained using Catalan’s model assuming positive magnetoresistance. The magnetic field-dependent charge transport mechanism explained the magnetoelectric coupling and spin transport properties as a function of electric and magnetic fields. A realistic circuit model with contributions from each component as a function of the magnetic field was also discussed considering the Nyquist plot. This study offers useful insights on bimetallic nanowire-based TFs leading to the possible fabrication of magnetic sensor devices.