Abstract
SmFeO3 samples were synthesized by using the tartaric acid-base sol–gel method. The samples were sintered at different temperatures from 600 °C to 800 °C to obtain desired phase. X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinement confirmed the orthorhombic structure with Pbnm symmetry of SmFeO3 samples. The crystallite size increased from 24 nm to 33 nm on increasing the sintering temperature from 600 °C to 800 °C. Raman spectroscopy analysis further revealed the presence distorted orthorhombic structure. UV–visible measurements showed that SmFeO3 samples exhibit the absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the visible region. The value of optical band gap was found to be 2.6 eV. Magnetic measurements of SmFeO3 samples showed canted antiferromagnetic behavior with weak ferromagnetism, which increased with increasing sintering temperature. The weak ferromagnetic nature, along with band gap in visible region, makes these samples a potential candidate for photocatalytic activity and optoelectronic device applications.
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