Influence of synthesis, dopants, and structure on electrical properties of bismuth ferrite ($$\hbox {BiFeO}_{3}$$)

Abstract

Bismuth ferrites (BFO) nanomaterials are one of the promising materials to provide applications in the electrical world for its unique multiferroic properties. The evolution in its research from the pure crystals to doped and co-doped forms has shown mankind the diversity of its properties and subsequent useful applications. The peculiarities of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties, as observed in these multiferroics, are the result of the structural perturbations which is due to the nature of the doping element and different synthesis mechanisms. The enhanced magnetoelectric coefficient, high dielectric constant, and improved ferroelectricity of doped BFO open the use in non-volatile memory devices. A consolidation of the noteworthy changes reported in the structural and electrical properties of BFO bulk ceramics, popular category of multiferroics so far is reviewed here in brief. This review mainly focuses on modifications seen in ferroelectric properties with respect to doping at Bismuth site, Iron site, and both or co-doping. As the modifications are mostly due to structural changes, structural and morphological changes occurring due to doping are also covered briefly.