BaTiO3/NixZn1-xFe2O4 (x =0, 0.5, 1) composites synthesized by thermal decomposition: The influence of phase composition on their magnetic and electrical properties

Abstract

To examine the influence of phase composition on the magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of perovskite/spinel composites, NiFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, and Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 were in situ prepared by thermal decomposition onto BaTiO3 surface. Acetylacetonate complexes were used as the precursors. The synthesized powders were compressed to pellets and additionally sintered at 1150 °C and 1300 °C. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for the comprehensive study of phase composition and morphology. The magnetic and electrical properties were performed in detail. The optimal phase composition was found in the BaTiO3/NiFe2O4 composite sintered at 1150 °C. This resulted in wide frequency range stability of relative dielectric constant. Furthermore, optimal phase composition in BaTiO3/NiFe2O4 led to suitable properties such as low conductivity and ideal-like hysteresis loop behavior. These functional properties of BaTiO3/NiFe2O4 make this composite a promising candidate for further studies on multiferroic properties.