DIELECTRIC RELAXATION AND ELECTRICAL STUDY OF BaNb2O6 PREPARED BY SOL–GEL ROUTE
A gel was formed when an aqueous solution of BaCl 2, NbF 5 and citric acid in stoichiometric ratio is heated on a water bath at 100°C. This gel on decomposition at 700°C yielded the nano phase of BaNb 2 O 6 as confirmed by X-ray diffraction study. The crystal structure is orthorhombic with unit cell parameter a = 12.2136 Å, b = 10.2413 Å, c = 7.8831 Å. The estimated grain size is 88 nm. Dielectric studies reveal the dielectric relaxation mechanism. Conducting charges and free charges both contribute to the dielectric relaxation in this material. Electrical properties of the material were studied using impedance spectroscopy technique. Detailed analysis of impedance spectrum suggested that the electrical properties are strongly temperature-dependent. The relaxation is polydispersive and conduction is mainly through grains. AC conduction activation energies are estimated from Arrheneus plots and conduction mechanism is discussed.