Magnetoelectric Effect in Ceramics Based on Bismuth Ferrite

Magnetoelectric Properties of Multiferroic Composites Based on BaTiO3 and Nickel-Zinc Ferrite Material

The purpose of the present study was to learn the morphological, structural, ferroelectric, dielectric, electromechanical, magnetoelectric, and magnetic properties, and DC conductivity of BaTiO3-Ni0.64Zn0.36Fe2O4 (BT-F) multiferroic composites compacted via the free sintering method. The influence of the ferrite content in ceramic composite materials on the functional properties is investigated and discussed. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the presence of two main phases of the composite, with strong reflections originating from BaTiO3 and weak peaks originating from nickel-zinc ferrite. BT-F ceramic composites have been shown to exhibit multiferroism at room temperature. All studied compositions have high permittivity values and low dielectric loss, while the ferroelectric properties of the BT component are maintained at a high level. On the other hand, magnetic properties depend on the amount of the ferrite phase and are the strongest for the composition with 15 wt.% of F (magnetization at RT is 4.12 emu/g). The magnetoelectric coupling between BT and F phases confirmed by the lock-in technique is the largest for 15 wt.% ferrite. In the present work, the process conditions of the free sintering method for obtaining BT-F multiferroic composite with good electrical and magnetic properties (in one material) were optimized. An improved set of multifunctional properties allows the expansion of the possibilities of using multiferroic composites in microelectronics.

Magnetoelectric Coupling in Bismuth Ferrite—Challenges and Perspectives

Multiferroic materials belong to the sub-group of ferroics possessing two or more ferroic orders in the same phase. Aizu first coined the term multiferroics in 1969. Of late, several multiferroic materials’ unique and robust characteristics have shown great potential for various applications. Notably, the coexisting magnetic and electrical ordering results in the Magnetoelectric effect (ME), wherein the electrical polarization can be manipulated by magnetic fields and magnetization by electric fields. Currently, more significant interests lie in significantly enhancing the ME coupling facilitating the realization of Spintronic devices, which makes use of the transport phenomenon of spin-polarized electrons. On the other hand, the magnetoelectric coupling is also pivotal in magnetic memory devices wherein the application of small electric voltage manipulates the magnetic properties of the device. This review gives a brief overview of magnetoelectric coupling in Bismuth ferrite and approaches to achieve higher magnetoelectric coupling and device applications.

Studies of La- and Pr-driven reverse distortion of FeO6 octahedral structure, magnetic properties and hyperfine interaction of BiFeO3 powder

The Bi_1−x−yLa_xPr_yFeO₃ (x = 0 and 0.05; y = 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) (BLPFO) powders were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The lattice structure of the samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction, which revealed an increase in the lattice constant of the doped samples evidencing the substitution of Bi by La and Pr ions. Raman spectroscopy was used to further analyse the structural distortion in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of the samples. The atomic concentrations (%) of La and Pr elements in the samples were detected by Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The ferromagnetism of the samples increased with the increase in La and Pr co-doping concentration as observed by vibrating sample magnetometry at room temperature. The evidence of reverse distortion of FeO₆ octahedral structure in the La and Pr co-doped samples was revealed by the Mössbauer spectra parameters: Is, Qs, H, Γ, χ² and area ratio (A₁/A₂) of two sextets.

Mössbauer spectra of the Bi_1−x−yLa_xPr_yFeO₃ (x = 0 and 0.05; y = 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) (BLPFO) powders.

Bi5FeTi3O15 nanofibers/graphene nanocomposites as an effective counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

The present study reports Bi₅FeTi₃O₁₅ (BFTO) nanofibers/graphene (Gr) nanocomposites (BGr) as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). BFTO nanofibers with diameters of 40-100 nm were fabricated by sol-gel based electrospinning technique. The microstructure and surface morphology of the BFTO nanofibers and the BGr nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performances of BGr CEs were comprehensively characterized and investigated. Compared to pristine BFTO, the nanocomposites have a marked improvement in electrocatalytic performance for the reduction of triiodide because of larger surface area and lower transfer resistance on the electrolyte-electrode interface. The maximum power conversion efficiency has reached 9.56%, which is much larger than that of pure BFTO CEs (0.22%).