A Nickel-Based Semiconductor Hybrid Material with Significant Dielectric Constant for Electronic Capacitors

A novel semiconducting Ni(II)-based hybrid material with the formula (C₇H₁₂N₂) NiCl₄, which exhibits interesting optical and electrical properties, is reported. The crystal structure was investigated using SCXRD, whereas physical properties were studied by means of thermal analysis, Ft-Infrared, optical, and electrical measurements. Its crystal packing is formed through organic rings surrounded by inorganic [NiCl₄]^2- tetrahedral and stacked along the a-crystallographic axis. This arrangement is stabilized by a dense network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The investigated compound displayed a wide absorption range across the visible spectrum, characterized by an optical gap energy of 2.64 eV, indicating its semiconducting nature and efficient sunlight absorption capabilities across various wavelengths. Such features are of utmost importance in achieving a high energy conversion efficiency in solar cell applications. Further analyses of the thermal behavior using differential scanning calorimetry revealed a single-phase transition occurring at around 413 K, which was further confirmed through electrical measurements. A deep investigation of the electric and dielectric performances demonstrated a significant dielectric constant (ε' ∼ 10⁴) at low frequencies and low dielectric loss at high frequencies. Thus, it highlights its exceptional dielectric potential, particularly in applications related to electronic capacitors.