Investigation on structural, optical and electrical properties of BiFeO3:ZnO nano-micro particles-matrix composite

A new class of materials called matrix-nano composites has the ability to meet the needs of modern ad-vanced applications and technology. To prepare the BiFeO3:ZnO composite, BiFeO3 nanoparticles were prepared using a low-cost sol-gel method, to which ZnO in its micron-sized form was added in varying concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the pure and composite materials were characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDAX, PL spectra, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The dielectric properties of the pristine and composites were investigated at room temperature. The a.c. conductivity fit with Jonscher's power law and CBH model described the charge conduction behaviour in all pure and composite materials. The temperature-dependent dielectric and loss measurements showed a temperature dependent relaxation process. UV-vis and PL characterization show that the composite ma-terials exhibited improved charge separation efficiency and wider band gaps with increasing BFO content. & COPY; 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A new class of materials called matrix-nano composites has the ability to meet the needs of modern advanced applications and technology. In this study, a BiFeO3:ZnO composite was prepared by adding micron-sized ZnO to BiFeO3 nanoparticles prepared using a low-cost sol-gel method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the materials were characterized, and the dielectric properties were investigated. The results showed improved charge separation efficiency and wider band gaps with increasing BFO content.