Magnetoelectric properties of BixCo2-xMnO4 (0≤x≤0.3)

We present the structural, dielectric and magnetization study of single phase polycrystalline BixCo2-xMnO4 (0 <= x <= 0.3), synthesized by a conventional solid state route. All the samples have the cubic spinel structure with Fd3m space group. Bi-substitution in Co2MnO4 stabilizes the ferroelectric transition at a temperature of similar to 350 K and enhances the dielectric constant with a relaxor behavior. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements confirm the ferroelectric nature at room temperature. Ferrimagnetic nature of the Co2MnO4 is preserved in the Bi-substituted samples. Magnetocapacitive coupling proves candidature of these materials from an application point of view. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.