Investigation on multiferroic properties of BiFeO3 ceramics

BiFeO3 polycrystalline ceramics was prepared by solid-state reaction method and its structural, optical and magnetic properties were investigated. BiFeO3 was synthesized in a wide range of temperature (825-880 A degrees C) and a well crystalline phase was obtained at a sintering temperature of 870 A degrees C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples were recorded and analyzed for the confirmation of crystal structure and the determination of the lattice parameters. The average grain size of the samples was found to be between 1-2 mu m. The determined value of direct bandgap of BiFeO3 ceramics was found to be 2.72 eV. The linear behavior of M-H curve at room temperature confirmed antiferromagetic properties of the BiFeO3 (BFO). S shaped M-H curve was obtained at a temperature of 5 K. In the whole temperature measurement range (5-300 K) of M-T, no anomalies were observed due to high Curie temperature and Neel temperature of the BiFeO3.