Electrical transport properties of Mn-Ni-Zn ferrite using complex impedance spectroscopy

Polycrystalline Mn0.45Ni0.05Zn0.50Fe2O4 was prepared by a standard solid state reaction technique. We report the electrical properties of this ferrite using ac impedance spectroscopy as a function of frequency (20 Hz-10 MHz) at different temperatures (50-350 degrees C). X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the formation of cubic spinel structure. Complex impedance analysis has been used to separate the grain and grain boundary resistance of this ferrite. The variation of grain and grain boundary conductivities with temperature confirms semiconducting behavior. The dielectric permittivity shows dielectric dispersion at lower frequency and reveals that it has almost the same value on the high-frequency side. The non-coincidence of peaks corresponding to modulus and impedance indicates deviation from Debye-type relaxation. A similar value of activation energy is obtained from impedance and modulus spectra, indicating that charge carriers overcome the same energy barrier during relaxation. Electron hopping is responsible for ac conduction in this ferrite. The electron hopping shifts toward higher frequency with increasing temperature, below which the conductivity is frequency independent. The frequency-independent ac conductivity has been observed at and above 300 degrees C in the frequency range 20 Hz-1 MHz. This frequency-independent ac conductivity is due to the long-range movement of the mobile charge carriers.