Enhanced multiferroic properties of NZCFO-BNFSO composites: Synthesis, characterization, and performance analysis.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Multiferroic materials exhibit simultaneous ferroelectric and magnetic ordering, crucial for advanced electronic applications.
• Single-phase multiferroics often face limitations in operating temperature and performance.
• Composite multiferroics offer a promising route to overcome these limitations through material synergy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural, magnetic, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties of NZCFO-BNFSO composites.
• To evaluate the effect of varying NZCFO content on the overall multiferroic behavior.
• To explore the potential of these composites as alternatives to single-phase multiferroics.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NZCFO-BNFSO composites with Bi2O3 additives.
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis.
• Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) for microstructural investigation.
• Magnetic (VSM) and ferroelectric (P-E loop) measurements.
• Dielectric spectroscopy and permeability measurements.

Main Results:

• XRD confirmed the coexistence of hexagonal BNFSO and spinel NZCFO phases.
• FESEM showed a homogeneous distribution of BNFSO and NZCFO grains.
• Initial permeability and relative quality factor increased with NZCFO content, peaking at 80% NZCFO.
• Saturation magnetization increased with NZCFO, while BNFSO exhibited antiferromagnetic behavior.
• Composites displayed typical dielectric dispersion due to Maxwell-Wagner polarization.
• 40% NZCFO composite showed the largest P-E loop area, indicating high energy storage capacity.

Conclusions:

• The NZCFO-BNFSO composites exhibit enhanced multiferroic properties.
• The addition of Bi2O3 effectively reduced the sintering temperature.
• These composites demonstrate potential as efficient alternatives to single-phase multiferroics for various applications.