Microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetoelectric coupling of a novel multiferroic of [(GdMnO3)0.7(CoFe2O4)0.3]0.5[TiO2]0.5 nanocomposite

Abstract

A new multiferroic is derived from GdMnO3 (GMO), CoFe2O4 (CFO) and TiO2 in the nanocomposite phase. Here the good dielectric properties of GMO and TiO2 including the multiferroicity of GMO below ~13 K along with the magnetic ordering of CFO are exploited to develop the desired nanocomposite system. The nanocomposite of [(GdMnO3)0.7(CoFe2O4)0.3]0.5[TiO2]0.5 (GMO-CFO@TO) was obtained from chemical preparation route. Detailed investigations of structural and morphology are carried out by analyzing the X-ray diffractograms and pictures recorded during high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Dielectric behavior like dielectric strength, loss tangent etc. of the nanocomposite system are drastically improved compared to each component. The amalgamation of three phases destroys the center of inversion symmetry, which is not applicable in case of an individual component. The improved dielectric behavior, introduction of magnetic ordering by CFO, the lack of center of inversion symmetry together with the high strain in the lattice helps to achieve the nanocomposite multiferroic at room temperature.