Sustained augmentation in electrical properties of Mn(x)Zn(1-x)Fe(2)O(4) nanoparticles provoked by high energy gamma radiation

Abstract

A series of the Mn(x)Zn(1-x)Fe(2)O(4) nanoparticles with (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) were prepared by auto combustion method. Electrical transport properties of the samples were studied as a function of temperature. The pellets of powdered samples were irradiated with different doses of gamma radiation obtained from 60Co source. Investigations made on irradiated samples showed substantial augmentation in the electrical properties under investigation. Both conductivity and dielectric constant were seen to rise with increasing dose of gamma radiation given to the sample. The augmentation in the properties is attributed to reorganization of cation distribution which also lowered the activation energy essential for triggering various conduction mechanisms in the samples. Increasing concentration of divalent metal ions at B site with increasing gamma radiation dose also plays a substantial proactive role in raising these properties. The observations made, were found to be highly stable with no secondary emissions