Dipolar and magnetic ordering in Nd-modified BiFeO3 nanoceramics

The polycrystalline samples of Bi1-xNdxFeO3 (BNFO) with x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 were prepared by a chemical route (metal ion complex precursor solution method). A systematic change in crystal structure from rhombohedral to tetragonal on increasing Nd substitution was observed. The reduction of low-frequency dispersion in permittivity and loss pattern due to Nd substitution in BiFeO3 (BFO) was observed in its dielectric response curve. The loss tangent (tan delta) was found to be reduced on increased Nd concentration in BNFO. Dielectric anomaly near the reported Neel temperature of BFO and peaks in all the BNFO samples were observed in the permittivity vs. temperature graph. Significant opening in the room temperature M-H loop was observed on Nd substitution, which was more prominent for higher concentration of Nd. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.