Improved magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite ceramics by La and Gd co-substitution

Increased magnetic properties of La and Gd substituted bismuth ferrite (Bi0.9La0.1Fe1-xGdxO3) (BLFGO) ceramics are reported. Considering perovskite structure of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), Bi and Fe sites were partially substituted by La and Gd, respectively. These materials were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. Crystal structure and phase purity were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectroscopy at room temperature. A considerable improved ferromagnetic properties with double remnant magnetization of 0.184 emu/g was observed by increasing Gd ratio up to 5%. With different ionic sizes and due to magnetic moment of Gd, an induced deformation of spin cycloid structure had thereby resulted in net magnetization. Also, we monitor some decrease in dielectric loss upon La and Gd substitutions. Additionally, these ceramics showed significant magnetoelectric coupling. Such improvements on magnetic, insulation, and magnetoelectric properties demonstrated the potential of BLFGO for possible multiferroic device applications.