Synthesis, characterization and multiferroic properties of Ni 0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4-K0.5Na 0.5NbO3 nanocomposites

In this work, nanocrystalline lead-free multiferroic composites of nickel zinc ferrite (Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) - potassium sodium niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) were synthesized by a sol-gel combustion method. The influence of Ni 0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 content, on the crystal structure, chemical bonding, morphologies, dielectric properties and magnetic behavior of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 was investigated using X-ray diffraction measurement, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, LCR meter and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The overall characterization results indicate that the various contents of ferrite and ferroelectric materials in those composites have a significant influence on their multiferroic properties. In addition, this method is proven as one of an ordinary, fast and efficacious way to synthesize functional multiferroic materials with simple availability implements. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.