Abstract
Heterostructure nanocomposite (1−x)MnFe
2
O
4
/xZnMn
2
O
4
(x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1) samples were prepared using the sol-gel method. Utilizing the measured x-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld analysis, the effect of alloying parameter (x) on the formed phases, their crystal structure, microstructure, cation distribution and bond lengths was investigated for each sample. The analysis demonstrated that for x = 0.2, 0.5, the nanocomposites comprised both MnFe
2
O
4
(MFO) and ZnMn
2
O
4
(ZMO) phases, while for x = 0.8 only ZMO phase is formed. Analysis also disclosed the exchange of cations between the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the two phases. The effect of alloying parameter (x), the frequency and temperature on the dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, complex impedance, electric modulus, and ac conductivity was explored in detail. The sample with x = 0.5 exhibited ferroelectric characteristics. The different conductivity mechanism in each sample was also investigated. Sample with x = 0.5 has a semiconductor nature in all temperature ranges while other samples have metal and semiconductor characteristics depended on the measured temperature region.
Graphical abstract
Highlights
Heterostructure nanocomposites MnFe
2
O
4
/ZnMn
2
O
4
.
Cations exchange between developed phases was revealed.
The mechanisms of samples conductivity were determined.
The electrical conductivity was enhanced upon alloying.