Thermoelectric Power of Cu-Zn Ferrites

Abstract

A series of Cu-Zn mixed ferrites with composition formula Cu1–xZnxFe2O4 is prepared by the double sintering ceramic technique. Thermoelectric power studies are performed over a temperature range of 300 to 800 k by a deferential method. The results showed a negative value for the Seebeck coefficient S for all samples, and all compositions exhibited an n-type semiconductors behavior in the measured range of temperature. The values of charge carrier concentration n and the Fermi energy were determined. The values of n were found to decrease as temperature increased, while Fermi energy directed to more negative values when Zn content is increased. On the basis of these results a mechanism for the conduction in Cu-Zn ferrites is suggested and the properties of the mention compounds were determined.