Analysis of crystal structure and magnetic properties of strontium substituted bismuth ferrite thin films

Thin films of Bi_(1-SrFeO₃(X= 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30) are synthesized on ultra-cleaned glass substrates by simple spray pyrolysis method at 550 °C. The crystal structures of the thin films are investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The Rietveld refinement data for all the thin films are confirmed a single-phase ABO₃type of rhombohedral structure belonging to theR3cspace group. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis reveals the size of grains from hexagonal to spherical shape with the addition of Sr doping. The vibrational modes are studied by Raman spectroscopy. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis unravels the influence of Sr²⁺in the creation of Fe²⁺defects and oxygen vacancies. The room temperature magnetic measurements of the thin films are carried out within a magnetic field range of ±10 kOe. Magnetic hysteresis loop confirms a significant increase in magnetization in Sr modified bismuth ferrite thin films. The composition i.e.X= 0.20 shows maximum enhancement of magnetic properties with saturation and Remanent magnetization values of 5.99 emu g^-1and 1.77 emu g^-1, respectively.