Structural and electrical studies of mixed metal/ceramic composite dielectric thin films

Cerium oxide (Rare earth oxide ceramic) films were coated on ITO glass slides where CeO₂ was obtained by a simplified sol-gel method. The layer of molten NiO (Metal oxide) was physiosorped on ceria. The synthesis parameters like molarity of the precipitating agent and annealing temperature of the as prepared films were optimized. The X-ray diffraction was used for the confirmation of the phase, crystal structure and determination of crystallite sizes. The morphology of annealed films was studied using atomic force microscopy. The ac electrical measurements were done using LCR meter at room temperature and in frequency range 1 kHz to 3 MHz. The ac conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss were determined using the electrical data.