Au5+ ion implantation induced structural phase transitions probed through structural, microstructural and phonon properties in BiFeO3 ceramics, using synergistic ion beam energy

Implanted Au5+-ion-induced modification in structural and phonon properties of phase pure BiFeO3 (BFO) ceramics prepared by sol-gel method was investigated. These BFO samples were implanted by 15.8MeV ions of Au5+ at various ion fluence ranging from 1x10(14) to 5x10(15)ions/cm(2). Effect of Au5+ ions' implantation is explained in terms of structural phase transition coupled with amorphization/recrystallization due to ion implantation probed through XRD, SEM, EDX and Raman spectroscopy. XRD patterns show broad diffuse contributions due to amorphization in implanted samples. SEM images show grains collapsing and mounds' formation over the surface due to mass transport. The peaks of the Raman spectra were broadened and also the peak intensities were decreased for the samples irradiated with 15.8MeV Au5+ ions at a fluence of 5x10(15)ion/cm(2). The percentage increase/decrease in amorphization and recrystallization has been estimated from Raman and XRD data, which support the synergistic effects being operative due to comparable nuclear and electronic energy losses at 15.8MeV Au5+ ion implantation. Effect of thermal treatment on implanted samples is also probed and discussed.