Structural, Magnetic and Dielectric Studies of Pb0.9Bi0.1Fe0.55Nb0.45O3 Multiferroic Solid solution

Abstract

Single phase Pb_0.9Bi_0.1Fe_0.55Nb_0.45O₃ (PFN-BFO) multiferroic solid solution was synthesized through single step solid state reaction method using low temperature annealing technique. The crystal structure, microstructure, magnetic and dielectric properties of PFN-BFO solid solution were investigated at room temperature (RT). Sintered samples were then subjected to XRD analysis and it revealed the formation of single phase without any impurities. The structural analysis was carried out by Rietveld Refinement technique through the Full Prof suite. The RT Rietveld refined XRD pattern confirms the monoclinic structure with Cm space group and obtained cell parameters are a = 5.666(3)A, b = 5.667(4)A, c = 4.017(2)A and p = 89.943(4)°. The surface morphology of the sample was studied by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and average grain size was estimated to be ∼5μm. M-H curve shows the weak ferromagnetic kind of behaviour with antiferromagnetic ordering. Room temperature dielectric constant, loss tangent and impedance spectroscopic data were measured at different frequencies (100Hz - 5MHz). The impedance spectroscopy reveals the contribution from the grains towards the electrical parameters.