Structural, dielectric and electrical characteristics of Bi3.9Sm0.1Ti3O12 ferroelectrics

In this article, detailed investigations on structural, dielectric, impedance, and leakage current characteristics of samarium modified bismuth titanate of chemical formula (Bi3.9Sm0.1Ti3O12), prepared by cost-effective solidstate reaction technique (with 850 degrees C calcination and 900 degrees C sintering temperatures), have been discussed. The X-ray structural study has shown that the compound crystallizes in orthorhombic symmetry with the B2ab space group. SEM micrograph at room temperature displays the grains are uniformly distributed on the surface with a very small amount of voids. The electrical measurements of the compound were carried out by a phase-sensitive (LCR) meter over broad temperature (25 degrees C-400 degrees C) and frequency (1 kHz-1 MHz) ranges. The hysteresis loops between polarization (P) and electric field (E) at different temperatures show the existence of ferro-electricity in the compound. All the electrical characteristics have shown significant modification on even a small substitution (i.e., 10%) of trivalent rare earth element (i.e., samarium) in the bismuth site. The leakage current study at various temperatures shows the existence of Ohmic conduction in the compound. The value of leakage current makes the sample preferable for electronic devices.