Structural, dielectric and electrical properties of zinc doped nickel nanoferrites prepared by simplified sol–gel method

Zinc doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles having the general formula Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) were prepared with simplified sol–gel method. The structural and dielectric properties of these samples sintered at 750 ± 5 °C were studied. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the single phase spinel structure for prepared samples. The scanning electron microscope images indicated that the particle size of the samples lies in the nanometer regime. The dielectric constant (er) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) of nanocrystalline nickel ferrites were investigated as a function of frequency and Zn concentration. The dependence of er and tan δ on the frequency of the alternating applied electric field is in accordance with the Maxwell–Wagner model. The prepared samples have a lowest dielectric constant compared to the already reported samples of the same composition to the best of our knowledge. The effect of Zn doping on the dielectric properties of nickel ferrites is explained on the basis of cations distribution in the crystal structure.