Room temperature neutron diffraction and magnetic studies of multiferroic Pb0.9Bi0.1Fe0.55Nb0.45O3 solid solution

Abstract

The Pb0.9Bi0.1Fe0.55Nb0.45O3 (PBFNO) solid solution was synthesized by single step solid state reaction method and the optimized parameters are 700°C for 2hr (calcination) and 800°C for 3hr (sintering). The formation of desired material was confirmed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Neutron Diffraction (ND) studies. The structural and magnetic properties of the sintered pellets were investigated at room temperature (RT) through XRD, ND and Magnetic (M-H) studies. The structural analysis was carried out by Rietveld refinement through the Full Prof program. Rietveld refined XRD and ND patterns confirms the monoclinic structure with Cm space group and obtained cell parameters from the ND data are a = 5.651(2) Å, b = 5.658(2) Å, c = 4.005(1) Å and α = 90°, β = 89.98(1)°, γ = 90°. RT M-H curve studies have been carried out. It shows the clear opening of hysteresis (M–H) loop, is evidenced as the existence of weak ferromagnetism at RT. The M-H data shows existence weak ferromagnetism embedded in an antiferromagnetic matrix structure. The dielectric constant with frequency shows the formation of barrier layers at the grain and grain boundary interfaces gives rise to interfacial space charge polarization.