Exploration of dielectric and humidity sensing properties of dysprosium oxide nanorods

In this research work, Dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) template-free nanorods were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared nanorods were examined by different experimental techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Photoluminescence spectroscopy. We investigated the dielectric properties using the impedance spectroscopy technique at 20 Hz–2 MHz within a temperature span of 300–540 K. The electrical characteristics like resistance, capacitance, and dielectric constant along with relaxation processes associated with bulk and interface effect were explained using an equivalent circuit model consisting of resistances (R) and constant phase element (CPE) loops in series. DC electrical properties were studied using IV curves in the voltage range of −5 to 5 V at different temperatures. The dominant conduction mechanisms that exist in our material are Schottky thermionic emission and Poole–Franke. Humidity sensing properties of the Dy2O3 nanorods were also studied in the range of 11–97