Synthesis, electrical and dielectric properties of FeVO4 nanoparticles

The electrical and dielectric properties of FeVO4 nanoparticles were studied at different temperatures from ambient to 200 degrees C. The samples were prepared by simple co-precipitation method using ferric nitrate and ammonium metavanadate as the starting precursors. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern inferred the single phase formation and triclinic structure of FeVO4. The morphology of the particles was elucidated from SEM studies. Detailed studies on the electrical and dielectric properties of the compound were carried out by using solid state impedance spectroscopy. A maximum dc conductivity of 4.65 x 10(-5) S cm(-1) was observed at the measuring temperature of 200 degrees C. The calculated activation energy from dc conductivity was found to be 0.28 eV. It was evident that the electrical transport process in the system was due to the hopping mechanism. The detailed dielectric studies were also carried out. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.