LAUSR

Abstract The Ni modified samples ZnFe2-xNixO4 with x = 0, 0.05, and 0.10 were synthesized using the sol-gel combustion method at 60 °C. The phase of obtained samples was determined using X-ray powder diffraction and found that it crystallized into a cubic spinel group. The lattice parameter of samples was decreased with increasing Ni concentration. However, the local symmetry of samples was explored using Raman spectroscopy. The presence of Raman band at 655 cm−1 was assigned to the vibration of Fe-O; found to be shifted towards higher wavenumber reconfirm the incorporation of Ni. The optical bandgap of the samples was determined using the Tauc plot and found to be in the range of 2.50 to 2.95 eV, which reflects the inorganic semiconducting nature of samples. Dielectric properties of samples were studied as a function of frequency and temperature show the presence of interfacial and orientational polarization in the sample. The resistivity of samples has been studied using Arrhenius model, and found three different regions of conduction within investigated temperature range. The first region assigned to the hopping of electron, while the second region to the hopping of polaron via the orientation of dipole ( 2 Ni Fe ' - 2 h . ) , or ( 2 Ni Fe ' - V o . . ) , and the third region assigned to migration of V o . . or e ' / h . . The conductivity of samples found in range of (0.85–8.95) S-cm−1 higher than conventional electrolytes used in IT-SOFCs. Based on these studies, the present materials can be used as a potential candidate for semiconductor devices and electrolytes in IT-SOFCs applications.