Study on Structural, Electrical and Magnetical Properties of Zn Doped CuAlO₂ Ceramics

Abstract

To improve the properties of CuAlO2 thin films, the preparation of CuAlO2 ceramics with excellent properties is an important prerequisite, and the optimization of ceramic properties is often achieved by doping. Zn-doped CuAlO2 ceramics were prepared by the solid phase sintering method. The structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Zn-doped CuAlO2 ceramics were systematically studied. The results show that the crystal structure of the as-sintered Zn-doped CuAlO2 was rhombohedral, space group R3m. Grain size of samples grew with the amount of Zn increases, which is related to the enhancement of CuAl2O4 phases in the sample ceramics. The density of doped ceramics changed when increasing Zn-doping concentration compared to undoped ceramics. It reached a minimum 0.96 g/cm3. The resistivity of Zn-doped CuAlO2 ceramic samples climbed with the increase of Zn content, and it can reach 59.6 Ω•cm at 10 mol%. The ferromagnetic behavior was enhanced with increasing the Zn concentration.