Optimizing structural and magnetic properties of sodium niobate ceramics via Fe and Cu Co-doping for multifunctional applications

Fe and Cu co-doping influences on the structural and magnetic properties of sodium niobate (NaNbO3) antiferroelectric ceramics were systematically investigated. The doped NaNbO3 samples were synthesized via solid-state reaction, with doping concentrations of Cu and Fe varying from 0.05 to 0.1 mol%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of dopants into the NaNbO3 lattice, resulting in a decrease in crystallite size from 56.65 mu m in undoped NaNbO3 to 38.32 mu m in samples with the highest dopant concentrations. This structural modification was accompanied by a lattice contraction, with lattice parameters (a, b, c) decreasing as doping increased. Additionally, magnetic analysis via Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) revealed a transition from paramagnetic to weak antiferromagnetic behaviour, with the highest magnetization (0.0025 emu/g) and coercivity (10 Oe) observed at 0.1 mol% doping, attributed to enhanced magnetic coupling due to the presence of Cu2+ and Fe2+ ions. The significant strain introduced by doping, as indicated by Williamson-Hall analysis, further demonstrates the potential of these materials for applications in advanced dielectric devices and magnetic sensors. The novelty of this study lies in the dual-doping approach, which achieves tailored structural and magnetic properties, enhancing the applicability of NaNbO3-based ceramics in multifunctional device applications.