Optimization of Structural, Spectral, and Dielectric Properties of Nickel-Doped Ca–Ba-Based Spinel Ferrites for Energy Storage Devices
摘要
Nickel-doped spinel ferrites having general formula Ca₀.₅Ba₀.₅₋ₓNiₓFe₂O₄ (where x = 0.000, 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, 0.500) were prepared by the sol–gel auto-combustion method. Structural analysis through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the formation of a single-phase, face-centered cubic spinel structure. Lattice parameter (a) varied between 8.40 and 8.56 Å, with crystallite sizes lying in the range of 61.43 to 75.03 nm, and the unit cell volume was measured between 592.70 and 627.22 (Å)3. The lattice parameter “a” varied between 8.40 and 8.56 Å, with crystallite sizes lying in the range of 61.43 to 75.03 nm, and the unit cell volume was measured between 592.70 and 627.22 (Å)3. Parameters such as interplanar spacing (d-spacing) and dislocation density were also examined, with d-spacing values ranging from 0.221 to 0.229 Å, and dislocation densities falling between 1.15 and 5.03 × 1014 lines/m2. Furthermore, the study included a comprehensive evaluation of dielectric properties, including dielectric constant, dielectric and tangent loss, AC conductivity, and electric modulus, as well as quality factor (Q) values. The variations in dielectric properties observed within the 1 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range have been attributed to space-charge polarization and hopping of electrons between Fe2⁺ and Fe3⁺ ions. The frequency-dependent behavior of AC conductivity has been interpreted using the Maxwell–Wagner and Koop’s theoretical models. Experimental findings for all synthesized spinel ferrites indicate their strong potential for use in microwave absorption, energy storage, and high-frequency applications.