Electrical properties of Ag-doped ZnO nano-plates synthesized via wet chemical precipitation method

Ag-doped and pure zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-plates were successfully synthesized via low cost wet precipitation method. The crystalline phases and the morphological features of the synthesized samples were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. These techniques coupled with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements confirmed the incorporation of Ag element into the ZnO matrix. The dielectric loss and ac conductivity were studied as a function of frequency and composition. A detailed analysis of the dielectric loss and ac conductivity as a function of composition were done in a wide frequency range at room temperature. In addition, the charge transport mechanism through the grain and grain boundary regions were investigated using impedance spectroscopy analysis. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.