Multiferroic Properties of (Bi_0.9Gd_0.1FeO)_1−x (BaTiO₃) _x Ceramics

Abstract

Conventional solid-state reaction method has been employed for the synthesis of polycrystalline (Bi_0.9Gd_0.1FeO)_1−x (BaTiO₃) _x for x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3, ceramics samples. The effect of BaTiO₃ content on the multiferroic properties of Gd-doped BiFeO₃ ceramics has been presented. Pure perovskite phase with high density has been obtained by optimizing the synthesis approach, calcination and sintering strategies. Structural analysis carried out using X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of desired morphotropic phase. The dielectric properties have been investigated at different concentration of BaTiO₃ as function of temperature, revealing that by increasing the BaTiO₃ content dielectric constant increases while dielectric losses decrease. Magnetic study shows that initially saturation magnetization increases with increase in BaTiO₃ content up to x=0.1; however, afterwards it decreases for higher concentration of BaTiO₃. According to ferroelectric measurements, PE loops (with low coercive field) are observed at room temperature. The remnant polarization (P _r ) has been found to be 0.169, 0.619 and 0.760 μC/cm², respectively, for samples with x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3. Magnetoelectric coupling in as-synthesized samples has been indirectly deduced by an anomaly observed at magnetic transition temperature.