Structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of sol-gel synthesized Bi1−xLaxFeO3 nanoparticles (x=0.3)

Abstract

Multiferroic materials have attracted world attraction due to their wide range of spintronic and data storage applications. Among multiferroic materials, bismuth iron oxide (BiFeO3) is a promising candidate as it offers advantages of high antiferromagnetic Neel temperature and high ferroelectric Curie temperature. An alternate to the conventional sol-gel method is proposed in the form of microwave exposure is proposed for the synthesis of nanoparticles. We here report structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of lanthanum doped bismuth iron oxide (Bi1-xLaxFeO3) nanoparticles with dopant concentration x as 0.3. Microwave power is varied as 180W, 450W and 810W. Microwave assisted nanoparticles are studied without any post treatment. Low microwave power results in amorphous nature of nanoparticles while transition to phase pure crystalline nanoparticles was observed at microwave power of 450W. High microwave power of 810W results in separation of bismuth deficient phase and BiFeO3 phase. Dielectric constant increases from 718 to 1095 as microwave power is increased from 180W to 450W. Transition from weak magnetic behavior to strong ferromagnetic behavior arises due to combined advantages of La doping and use of microwave power.