Study of electric conduction mechanisms in bismuth silicate nanofibers

This work represents the nature of conduction mechanism in bismuth silicate (BiSiO) nanofibers as a function of temperature and frequency. Scanning electron micrographs and X-rays diffraction patterns exhibited the formation of cubic phases of Bi₄(SiO₄)₃ and Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ nanofibers respectively with an average diameter of ~200 nm. Temperature dependent (300 K-400 K) electrical characterization of fibers was carried out in frequency range of ~20 Hz-2 MHz. The complex impedance analysis showed contribution from bulk and intergranular parts of nanofibers in conduction. Moreover, analysis of the Cole-Cole plot confirmed the space charge dependent behavior of BiSiO nanofibers. Two types of relaxation phenomena were observed through Modulus analysis. In ac conductivity curve, step like feature of plateau and dispersive regions were described by Maxwell-Wagner effect while the dc part obeyed the Arrhenius law. However, frequency dependent ac conductivity revealed the presence of conduction mechanism in diverse regions that was ascribed to large polaron tunneling model. Detailed analysis of complex Impedance and ac conductivity measurement showed negative temperature coefficient of resistance for the BiSiO nanofibers. Current-voltage (IV) characteristics represented ohmic conduction; followed by space charge limited current conduction at intermediate voltages. Results from both ac and dc measurements were in good agreement with each other.