Multiferroic Properties of (1-x)BiFeO3-xBaTiO3 Lead-Free Ceramics

Lead-free (1-x)BiFeO3-xBaTiO3 ceramics (abbreviated as BF-xBT), in a composition range of 0.23 ≤ x ≤ 0.33 mol%, were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The effect of x content on phase structure, microstructure, magnetic and electrical properties of BF-xBT ceramics is also investigated. With the incorporation of x content, the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases was observed. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) micrographs revealed that the average grain size of BF-xBT ceramics first decreased and then increased with adding x content. The fracture surface of samples showed a mode of inter-granular fracture and intra-granular fracture. The ferroelectric properties were enhanced by adding x ≥ 0.29 mol% in the BF-xBT system. The dielectric and magnetic properties were improved with a maximum value are εr = 888,711, M max = 0.40 emu/g, M r = 0.17 emu/g, and H c = 3.7 kOe at x = 0.25 mol%.