Structural, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃-ZnFe₂O₄ nano-composites

ABSTRACT

Multiferroic BiFeO₃-ZnFeO₃ nano-composites in different composition were prepared by sol-gel method. Detailed investigations were made on the structural, magnetic and ferroelectric properties of these nanocomposites. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the formation of distorted perovskite and spinel phases of BiFeO₃ and ZnFe₂O₄ respectively. Transmission Electron microscopy reveals the particle size and the elemental idea of pure ferrites. The particle sizes calculated using TEM of ZnFe₂O₄ is 20–30 nm and match with XRD result. An enhancement of polarization in nano-composites is observed from Polarization Vs Electric Field loops. Magnetic polarization versus Magnetic field curves indicates the improved magnetic properties.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiferroic
• nano-composites
• sol-gel
• x-ray diffraction
• magnetic
• ferroelectric

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Principal, Hindu College, Head, Department of Physics and Astrophysics and Director, USIC, University of Delhi, Delhi for constant encouragement and measurements facilities.

Funding

One of the authors (JSB) is grateful to UGC for providing Non-NET JRF to carry out this work.