Tailoring the functional properties of BaNi₂₋ₓZnₓFe₁₆O₂₇ ferrites via ceramic route for advanced electronic and energy applications

This research explores the structural, dielectric, and electrical behaviors of BaNi₂₋ₓZnₓFe₁₆O₂₇ ferrites with varying zinc concentrations (x = 0.0 to 2.0), synthesized via the traditional ceramic route. Emphasis is placed on evaluating their potential in high-frequency electronics and energy storage applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the successful formation of single-phase W-type hexaferrites, with crystallite sizes ranging between 35 and 37 nm, highlighting their suitability for high-density recording and microwave device applications. Dielectric and ac conductivity measurements established that Zn²⁺ substitution improvement in electrical characteristics after doping while reducing dielectric loss across a broad frequency range. The frequency-dependent behavior is effectively interpreted through the Maxwell–Wagner polarization mechanism, with enhanced charge transport resulting from the reduced electron hopping between Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions. The introduction of Zn²⁺ ions diminished the electron hopping activity between Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ cations, leading to decreased dielectric loss and improved AC conductivity. This enhancement in conductivity is critical for energy storage applications, as it enables more efficient charging and discharging processes, thus making these materials highly suitable for use in high-frequency devices such as oscillators and power amplifiers. The composition with x = 0.4 exhibited the most stable dielectric performance, suggesting optimal structural and electrical characteristics. Furthermore, Zn²⁺ doping modified the magnetic response by reducing magnetic anisotropy and Curie temperature while enhancing initial permeability (µi), making these materials promising for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and frequency-selective electronic components. Overall, the optimized BaNi2−xZnₓFe₁₆O₂₇ ferrites exhibit excellent dielectric and electrical performance, thermal stability, and tunable magnetic behavior, positioning them as strong candidates for integration into high-frequency electronics, energy storage devices, and clean energy systems.