Enhanced multiferroic behaviour without phase degradation in high Sm-doped bismuth ferrite

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of high Sm doping on the multiferroic properties of bismuth ferrite while maintaining its phase purity. A series of Bi_1−xSm_xFeO₃ samples (x = 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.20) were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. Remarkably, the rhombohedral R3c structure was preserved without any phase transformation or impurity formation up to a maximum Sm doping of 20%, as confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data. The influence of high Sm doping on the structural, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic and dielectric properties was investigated. Significant enhancements in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties were observed in samples with higher Sm content. Additionally, increased remnant magnetization and coercive field were detected in the highly Sm-doped samples. The dielectric properties were evaluated to understand their evolution with increased Sm doping. An SEM analysis revealed well-formed grains without evidence of secondary phases up to 20% Sm doping. This study successfully correlated structural, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic and dielectric properties to elucidate the improvement in multiferroic behaviour induced by high Sm doping.