Effect of rare earth Nd substitutions on the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and electrical characteristics of Pb1 − xNdx(Fe0.5Nb0.5)1 − x/4O3 ceramics

In this study, the impact of Nd doping on the structural, microstructural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and transport properties of ({{mathrm{Pb}}_(1-x){mathrm{Nd}}_x({mathrm{Fe}}_0.5{mathrm{Nb}}_0.5)}_1-x/4{mathrm{O}}₃) (PNFN) solid solutions ((x=0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08,mathrm{ and },0.1)) is reported. For all the solid solutions, room temperature Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the monoclinic crystal structure with Cm space group. From Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) studies, the polyhedral-shaped grains are found to be homogeneously distributed. Variation of dielectric properties with temperature displays the decrease of phase transition temperature (TC) with increasing Nd content. The temperature-dependent AC conductivity follows the Arrhenius behavior and the activation energies are calculated for high temperature regions. The frequency dependent AC conductivity behavior obeys the Johnscher’s power law. Impedance spectroscopy results show the impact of conductivity from the bulk (grain) and displays non-Debye type of behaviour. Electric modulus demonstrates thermally activated relaxation phenomenon in the materials. Polarization vs. electric field (P-E) loops analysis confirms the ferroelectric nature of the materials. With increase in Nd concentrations, the value of remanent polarization (2Pr) increases, on the other hand, the coercive field (2Ec) value decreases. Both of these properties are suitable for enhancement of the physical properties of the multiferroic materials.