Effect of Y-doping on structure and properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 ceramics

Abstract

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) exhibits ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic properties up to very high temperatures, and is, consequently, considered one of the most promising single phase multiferroic materials. Doping with Y3+ was tested in terms of improving electrical and magnetic properties. Bi1-xYxFeO3 was synthesized by auto-combustion method using urea as a fuel. Precursor powders were annealed, pressed and sintered. Powders and ceramic samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, Raman, electrical and magnetic measurements. X-ray diffractograms and Raman spectra showed transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic structure at 10 % Y3+ content. SEM images indicated reduction in grain size with higher concentration of Y3+.