Effect of iron doping on structural, DC electrical resistivity and ferroelectric properties of BaTiO3 nanoceramics

We report, the structural, morphological, DC electrical resistivity and ferroelectric properties of BaTi1-xFexO3 (x = 0.00, (x = 0.00, 0.10 and 0.20 nanoceramics prepared by fuel (citric acid) assisted sol-gel self-ignition method. The XRD studies revealed the formation of tetragonal lattice symmetry for low concentration of Fe ions (x = 0.00 and 0.10) whereas for higher concentration of Fe ions (x = 0.20) it shows hexagonal lattice symmetry. The lattice constant obtained from XRD data show a decreasing trend for tetragonal structures. The crystallite size estimated using the Debye Scherrer equation varies in the range of 62-90 nm. The Raman spectrum of the pure BaTiO3 also indicates tetragonal symmetry. FT-IR spectra reveals the characteristics features of barium titanate showing tow absorption bands at 500 cm(-1) and 1450 cm(-1). The analysis of FESEM images suggests the presence of tetragonal and hexagonal structure. The particles size obtained by TEM images was found to be 16 nm and 33 nm (x = 0.00 and 0.10). XPS study for typical sample (x = 0.10) was carried out to know the valency of the iron (Fe) ions. With the doping of Fe ions, electrical properties like conductivity found to increase with increase in temperature. The ferroelectric properties decrease with increasing Fe doping.

Automated summary

BaTi1-xFexO3 nanoceramics prepared by sol-gel self-ignition method exhibit different crystalline structures and properties, with the doping of iron ions leading to changes in electrical and ferroelectric properties.