Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of multiferroic Bi1-xLaxFeO3 crystallites

Bi1-xLaxFeO3 (BLFO, x = 0.0-0.2) crystallites were synthesized by the hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction results indicate that pure BLFO crystallites could be obtained for x <= 0.1, and the phase purity was sensitive to the PH value of precursor solutions. Transmission electron microscope observation reveals that needle like BLFO crystallites were formed for x = 0.1. The coexistence of ferroelectric and magnetic transition is detected by using differential thermal analysis, indicating the multiferroic characteristics of BLFO crystalfites. The Neel temperature of BLFO crystalfites for x=0.1 shifts upwards, whereas the Curie temperature shifts downwards, compared with those of BFO crystalfites without La substitution. Weak ferromagnetic property of BLFO crystallites was induced and enhanced with increasing the La content. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.