A study of the structural and electrical properties of Ni1-x Cox Fe2O4 ferrites

Abstract

Ferrite with general formula Ni1-x Cox Fe2O4(where x=0.0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7, and 0.9), were prepared by standard ceramic technique. The main cubic spinel structure phase for all samples was confirmed by x-ray diffraction patterns. The lattice parameter results were (8.256-8.299 ^°A). Generally, x -ray density increased with the addition of Cobalt and showed value between (5.452-5.538gm/cm³). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) showed that the average grain size and surface roughness was decreasing with the increasing cobalt concentration. Scanning Electron Microscopy images show that grains had an irregular distribution and irregular shape. The A.C conductivity was found to increase with the frequency and the addition of Cobalt, D.C conductivity was found to increase with temperature due to decreases in resistivity. Dielectric constants were noticed to decrease with frequency and Co addition. The Hall coefficient was found to be positive. This demonstrates that the majority of charge carriers are p-type, suggesting that the mechanism of conduction is predominantly caused by hopping of holes.