Magnetic properties of new binary compounds lead-free ferroelectric (1-x)Ba(Zr0·2Ti0.8)O3+xFeTiO3 as solid solution

Abstract

In this work, the complex properties of new binary lead-free ferroelectric Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃ modified with ilmenite-type FeTiO₃ materials were reported. Crystal structure analysis using X-ray diffraction and phonon vibration modes studied through Raman scattering indicate that Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃ well-formed solid solutions with FeTiO₃. The random distribution of Fe cations at both the A- and B-sites in the perovskite structure of Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃ results in lattice parameter distortion and a reduction in the optical band gap energy from 3.17 eV in pure Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃ to 2.82 eV at 7 mol.% FeTiO₃. Furthermore, the introduction of FeTiO₃ significantly enhances the weak ferromagnetism naturally present in pure Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃, while maintaining the ferroelectric properties across all compositions. Observing this biferroic behavior at room temperature in the FeTiO₃-modified Ba(Zr_0·2Ti_0.8)O₃ system suggests promising applications for lead-free ferroelectric materials in next-generation electronic devices. We expect that this work will further open new directions in tailoring ferromagnetic properties in environmentally friendly ferroelectric materials for advanced electronic applications.