Comparative Analysis of Dual Dopants in Nickel Oxide: Unraveling the Impact of MgRu vs MgCu on Dielectric Properties

Ni 1-2x Mg x Cu x O and Ni 1-2x Mg x Ru x O nanoparticles (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08) were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method using salt chloride precursor and EDTA as a capping agent.The present work compares the impact of (Mg, Cu) and (Mg, Ru) co-dopants on the dielectric properties of NiO within a frequency range 0.1 -8 MHz and various dopant concentrations x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08. The dielectric properties and phase formation were investigated via an impedance analyser and XRD, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the successful synthesis and crystallization of all Ni 1-2x Mg x Cu x O and Ni 1-2x Mg x Ru x O nanoparticles in the fcc structure except for Ni 0.92 Mg 0.04 Ru 0.04 O and Ni 0.84 Mg 0.08 Ru 0.08 O nanoparticles confirming a secondary RuO 2 pahse. Observed and calculated data from the impedance analyzer showed higher dielectric constants, ac conductivity, energy loss, and refractive index values for Ni 1-2x Mg x Cu x O than for Ni 1-2x Mg x Ru x O nanoparticles. However, the impedance values of (Mg, Ru) dual-doped NiO nanoparticles were higher compared with (Mg, Cu) dual-doped NiO nanoparticles. Both samples showed a decrease in dielectric constants, impedance, loss tangent, and refractive index as frequency increased (0.1-7.5MHz), with a vice versa behavior as dopant concentration rose, except for the impedance. Hence, Ni 1-2x Mg x Cu x O and Ni 1-2x Mg x Ru x O nanoparticles are good candidates for electrical and optical applications.