Co-precipitation synthesis and AC conductivity of Sn0.94Zn0.04O2 nanoparticles, using impedance spectroscopy

The co-precipitation method is used for the preparation of Sn0.94Zn0.04O2 nanoparticles. The formation of typical rutile-type was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies, and it was found to be a tetragonal phase at room temperature. In addition, the complex measurement has been investigated in the temperature range 473-713 K and in the frequency range 200 Hz-5 MHz. The results have been analyzed in the complex plane formalism and suitable equivalent circuits have been proposed in different regions. The direct current conductivity shows typical Arrhenuis behavior, when observed as a function of temperature. The modulus plots can be characterized by the empirical Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts function: I broken vertical bar(t) = exp [(-t/tau)(beta)]. The near value of activation energies obtained from the analyses of modulus and conductivity data confirms that the transport is through ion hopping mechanism in the investigated materials.