Structure analysis and multiferroic properties of Zr4+ doped BiFeO3 ceramics

Abstract Zr 4+ doped multiferroic ceramics samples BiFe 1− x Zr x O 3 ( x =0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) were prepared by a solid state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the characteristic peaks of samples were shifted toward a lower angle with the increase of Zr 4+ doping concentration. It indicated that the doped Zr 4+ ions entered into the crystal lattice. The length of Zr3O bond was calculated based on the results of X-ray Absorption Fine Structure analysis. The abnormal dielectric constant near the Neel temperature of BiFe 1− x Zr x O 3 indirectly demonstrated the coupling between magnetic and electric properties of BiFe 1− x Zr x O 3 . The Neel temperature of Zr 4+ doped BiFeO 3 was ∼20 °C lower than that of the undoped BiFeO 3 . The Neel temperature of BiFe 1− x Zr x O 3 will be different if the doping amount of Zr 4+ is different. However, all the prepared samples are antiferromagnetic.