Effect of Zn substitution on relaxation characteristics and dielectric properties of Cu1−xZnxGa0.5Fe1.5O4 spinel

Single-phase spinel ferrite samples: CuFe2O4 and Cu1−xZnxGa0.5Fe1.5O4 with (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were synthesized. The dielectric permittivities (ɛ′ and ɛ″) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) were studied for the prepared samples from 200 to 400 K at the frequency range (1-105 Hz) using adaptive technique. The relation of tan δ with frequency at different temperatures shows relaxation spectra where the relaxation time and the maximum frequency of the hopping conduction mechanisms are determined. The variation of (ɛ′, ɛ″ and tan δ) with frequency and temperature displays a strong dependence on both gallium and zinc concentrations. The results are explained in light of the cation-anion-cation and cation-cation interactions over the metal sites in the spinel structure.