Enhancement of magneto-dielectric properties of BaTiO3-NiFe2O4 multiferroic composite induced by lattice strain of Pr3+ doping

Herein particulate multiferroic composite (1-x) Ba0.95Pr0.05TiO3 - xNiFe(1.95)Pr(0.05)O(4) (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.10) with tuneable magneto-dielectric properties are synthesized by solid state reaction. Chemical (sol-gel) method is employed for the preparation of individual Ba0.95Pr0.05TiO3 (ferroelectric) and NiFe1.95Pr0.05O4 (ferrite) phases. The effect of concentration of the individual phases on the microstructure, dielectric, magnetic and ferroelectric properties are systematically investigated. X-Ray diffraction patterns confirms the coexistence of two phases corresponding to tetragonal ferroelectric phase and cubic ferrite phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph reveal that the average grain size decreases with increase in the ferrite concentration. The dielectric data obtained in the temperature range 100-400 K indicated the shifting of transition temperature to higher values and frequency range 20 Hz-2 MHz indicated the enhancement of the dielectric permittivity with increase in concentration of ferrite phase. Well defined PE and MH hysteresis loops have shown the modifications of the properties based on Pr doping and co-existence of the two phases. Such composites are potential candidates for multifunctional devices, device miniaturization and energy storage devices.

Automated summary

In this study, particulate multiferroic composites with tuneable magneto-dielectric properties were synthesized. The effects of concentration of individual phases on the microstructure, dielectric, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties were systematically investigated. The results showed interesting modifications in the properties based on Pr doping and co-existence of the two phases.