Tunability of magnetoelectric coupling in perovskite/spinel-based triphasic multiferroic composites for multistate devices

Abstract

Multiferroic composites offer a keen interest to researchers because of their huge compositional range, structural flexibility, and their suitability for multifunctional devices. In this regard, we present a series of triphasic perovskite/spinel composites with general formula 0.8[(1–x)SrCoO2.29+ xCr2FeO4] + 0.2 Pb(Zr0.58Ti0.42)O3 (x = 0.0, 0.33, 0.66 and 1.0) by sol–gel auto-combustion and solid-state approach. The presence of individual crystalline phases of SrCoO2.29, Cr2FeO4, and Pb(Zr0.58Ti0.42)O3 was verified using diffraction data. Morphological investigations demonstrate a homogenous distribution of particles with considerable porosity and particle size in the range of 250–450 nm. The presence and variation of constituent elements in the composition according to their stoichiometric formula were confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The energy storage capability was mapped by analyzing the P–E hysteresis loops which gave the measure of saturation and remanent polarizations. These polarizations led to determining the recoverable energy density and energy loss density which highlighted the capacity of these materials for energy storage devices. The increasing magnetic response of the composites with increasing Cr2FeO4 contents highlight the indication of improvement in magnetoelectric coupling. In addition, the detection of magnetic field-induced polarization revealed the potential of these materials for magnetic sensors, energy storage, and multistate devices.