DNG metamaterials: Preparation and characterization of silver nanoparticles in the dielectric medium

Ag/Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy nanocomposites were synthesized by co-precipitation technique. Effect of Ag content on the microstructure, electrical, magnetical and optical properties of Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy dielectric was investigated in detail. The Ag nanoparticles dispersed in the Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy matrix as a random network structure and resulted in the improvement of electrical and magnetical properties of the Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy dielectric. The morphology and structure properties of Ag/Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy nanocomposite were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. SEM observation showed that the silver particles presented homogenous particle distribution in the Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy matrix. It was found that samples with 45 and 47 wt% Ag exhibit the double negative (DNG) properties. As a result, the simultaneous negative permittivity and negative permeability were realized in the Ag/Zr0.9Ni0.1Oy nanocomposites.