Low temperature synthesis and manifestation of the structural, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties of Bi(Gd)FeO[formula omitted] nanoparticles

Abstract

Gd doped multiferroics with the compositional formula Bi1−xGdxFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) (BGFO) have been prepared by low temperature sol gel method. Characterisations were carried out by using XRD, FESEM, EDAX and FTIR studies. Rietveld analysis of the XRD data reveals the structural transformation from rhombohedral to orthorhombic phase beyond x=0.10 Gd concentration. Dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (ε′) and loss factor (tanδ) of the samples were studied as a function of frequency and Gd concentration. Enhanced dielectric constant and reduced loss factor have been observed in the Gd doped samples as compared to the undoped sample. Room temperature M–H loop of all the samples show enhanced magnetisation with the increase in Gd content upto x=0.10 and then decreases. The decrease in the values of energy band gap with the increase in Gd content enhances the optical absorption capability in the range of visible spectrum. Explanation of the above results and the various possible applications were highlighted.