Effect of Ba and Zr co-substitution on dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of BiFeO3 multiferroics

We report the effect of Ba and Zr co-substitution on structural, dielectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of BiFeO3 multiferroics. Polycrystalline nanoceramic samples of Bi1- xBaxFe1-yZryO3 have been synthesized by auto-combustion method. Rietveld refinement result of X-ray diffraction data indicate a contraction of unit cell volume with increase in x and y. Field emission scanning electron micrographs show densely populated grains without any voids or defects with well-defined grain boundary and decrease in grain size with increasing x and y. The result of dielectric measurement display anomalies, which are amplified and the temperature at which dielectric anomalies observed decreases with increasing composition. A cross-over from anti-ferromagnetism to weak ferromagnetism has been observed at x = y = 0.1 with enhanced magnetization as compared to pure BiFeO3. Ferroelectric properties of the sample have been studied using PE loop measurement. Magneto-dielectric and magneto impedance spectroscopy reveal the existence of intrinsic magneto-electric coupling at room temperature.