DC conductivity mechanism in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)-ZnO nanocomposites

La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)-ZnO nanocomposites with varying concentrations of ZnO have been synthesized using the solution combustion method. A bimodal particle size distribution has formed in all samples. The crystallite increases composites as compared to LSMO. study on electrical resistivity reveals that LSMO exhibits a metal-to-insulator transition at 359 K, while inclusion suppresses metallic behavior and resistivity. Transport samples semiconducting regions explained known polynomial equation two-channel conduction model obeying small polaron hopping mechanism, respectively. very low activation energy range 10–12 meV is observed due smaller-sized particles. presence drives mechanism from adiabatic become non-adiabatic enhances maximum temperature coefficient resistance. 80% LSMO-20% (by weight ratio) composite shows TCR −29.81%/K 248 which makes it potential candidate for several applications sensing devices. Curie material decreases increase content sample. results this also confirm existence correlation between magnetic properties