Effect of Gd and Zr co-substitution on multiferroic properties of BiFeO3

Abstract

Single phase Bi1−xGdxFe1−yZryO3 (x=0.06;y=0, x= 0.10, y=0 and x=0.10,y= 0.03) nanoparticles were prepared to study the combined effect of Gd and Zr substitution on structural, magnetic and optical properties of BiFeO3. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns predicted that sample with x=0.06, y=0 was indexed to rhombohedral structure while samples with x=0.10, y=0 and x=0.10, y=0.03 were crystallized in multiphase (rhombohedral + orthorhombic). Magnetic properties were significantly enhanced with increasing concentration of Gd ions, however, magnetization reduced slightly with addition of 3% Zr ions in the system. Electron spin Resonance analysis indicated that breaking of spin cycloid is the main reason for enhancement of magnetization. Optical properties were investigated and direct band gap was found for all the samples.