Electrical characterization of Ir doped rare-earth orthoferrite YbFeO3

Due to their novel electrical, magnetic and optical features, many research groups have studied orthoferrites broadly in the literature. We have examined the electrical features of YbFeO3 (YbFO) and YbFe1-xIrxO3 (YbFIO) (x = 0.01 and 0.10) powders. The crystal structure of the synthesized powders was examined via X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) measurements. Surface morphologies of the obtained pellets were scrutinized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the oxidation states of the constituted elements were inspected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrical properties such as electrical modulus, dielectric constant and conductivity of the powders were documented at various frequencies and operating temperatures via dielectric/impedance spectroscopy measurements. It was shown that dielectric constant and conductivity of 1 mole % doped YbFO sample are higher than the other samples. In addition, the conductivity studies revealed that more than one conduction model needs to be considered for understanding the conduction mechanism. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.