Improved optical, dielectric, impedance, and magnetic properties of (BiFeO3)0.6(CaTiO3)0.4 for multifunctional utilities

Abstract

The investigation of the multifaceted properties of (BiFeO3)0.6(CaTiO3)0.4, synthesized following a solid solution reaction mechanism is reported. The temperature-dependent dielectric and tanδ loss analysis sheds light on the temperature-dependent phase transitions. The structural deformation from the rhombohedral structure for pure BFO to the orthorhombic phase is evident from the Rietveld refinement. The optical energy gap investigation carried out through UV–Visible spectroscopy points out the potential useful photovoltaic applicability of the ceramic. The XPS analysis reveals the existence of multiple valency states of Fe, Ti, and oxygen defects which in turn might explain the underlying phenomena of hopping mechanisms and magnetic exchange interactions responsible for enhancing the ferroelectric, dielectric, and magnetic properties in the sample. The impedance and modulus analysis reveal the semiconducting and capacitive properties of the ceramic useful for device applications. Enhanced dielectric properties, weak ferromagnetic ordering due to suppression of G-type antiferromagnetism and double exchange paths, and reduced value of optical band gap as compared to the previous report are the novel findings in this communication.