Double hysteresis (P-E) loops in the transparent composite containing BaTiO3 at room temperature

Abstract

A transparent composite sample containing BaTiO3 was synthesized by using the melting quenching method. The presence of a glassy phase in this composite sample was detected through XRD analysis, and this was further confirmed by DSC study. TEM and SAED analyses provided evidence that the BaTiO3 nanoparticles/clusters are embedded within the borate glass matrix, establishing the composite nature of this sample. FTIR spectrum of the present sample revealed that the glass matrix is composed of two structural groups (BO3 with NBO’s, and BO4), along with the distinct groups for BaTiO3. XPS spectra of the present composite sample indicated the presence of more than one type of boron, barium, titanium and oxygen. DSC and dielectric studies of the present composite sample revealed the presence of the phase transition temperature (Tc). Dielectric constant (ɛr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) curves of the present composite sample displayed an anomaly peak in the vicinity of TC. The optical transmission spectrum of the present composite sample exhibit two transmission bands of Ti3+ (3d1) ions in tetragonal distorted sites. At room temperature, the present transparent composite sample exhibited double hysteresis loops for BaTiO3 at low electric fields. The results obtained can be used for the development of lead-free ferroelectric material.