Multiferroic properties of Pb2Fe2O5 ceramics

Research highlights: {yields} Simultaneous occurrence of ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity in Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramics. {yields} The off-centers of shifted Pb{sup 2+} ions as well as the FeO{sub 6} octahedra in the 'Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5}' lead to a ferroelectric polarization. {yields} Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramic demonstrates ferromagnetic order state due to the spin arrangement in the double chains of FeO{sub 5} tetrahedral pyramids. -- Abstract: Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} (PFO) powders in monoclinic structure have been synthesized using lead acetate in glycerin and ferric acetylacetonate as the precursor. The powders were pressed into pellets, which were sintered into ceramics at 800 {sup o}C for 1 h. The morphology and structure have been determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Polarization was observed in Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramics at room temperature, exhibiting a clear ferroelectric hysteresis loop. The remanent polarization of Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramic is estimated to be Pr {approx} 0.22 {mu}C/cm{sup 2}. The origin of the polarization may be attributed to the off-centers of shifted Pb{sup 2+} ions as well as the FeO{sub 6} octahedra in the perovskite-based structure of Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5}. Magnetic hysteresis loop was also observedmore » at room temperature. The Pb{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 5} ceramic shows coexistence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism. It provides a new field of research for complex oxides with multiferroic properties.« less