Investigations of magnetic and ferroelectric properties of multiferroic Sr-doped bismuth ferrite

Strontium substituted bismuth ferrite (Bi1-x Sr (x) FeO3 with x = 0.05, 0.15 and 0.25) multiferroic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple sol-gel auto combustion technique to study the effect of Sr2+ varying with a concentration on their structural and multiferroic properties. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the phase purity of Bi1-x Sr (x) FeO3 samples having a hexagonal structure with R3c space group. The lattice parameters 'a' and 'c' decrease, whereas the unit cell volume contracts with increasing Sr2+ concentration in BFO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was employed to study the chemical bonds present. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images of samples show agglomerated nanoparticles with varying average grain sizes 61 and 32 nm. The elemental composition was confirmed using energy-dispersive spectrum analysis. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis at room temperature showed a significant change in magnetization on Sr2+ substituted BFO with increased saturation magnetization value (M (s) = 5.55 emu/g) at x = 0.25 composition. P-E loop tracer used to study the ferroelectric properties and the observed diverse properties of Sr2+ substituted BFO show applicability for multifunctional devices like actuators.