Synthesis and properties of multiferroic La-modified BiFeO3 ceramics

Multiferroic Bi(1-x)LaxFeO3 was synthesized by a modified Pechini approach. Optimal conditions for the synthesis of single-phase Bi(1-x)LaxFeO3 powder were reported. A conventional sintering process was used to fabricate Bi(1-x)LaxFeO3 ceramics. Ferroelectric and magnetic loops measured at room temperature indicate the coexistence of ferroelectricity and magnetism. The La modification of BiFeO3 has a beneficial effect on the ferroelectric and magnetic properties. The ceramic samples show a stable dielectric constant and quite low dielectric loss between 100 Hz and 10 MHz. The piezoelectric constants of Bi(1-x)LaxFeO3 ceramics were first reported.