Room-temperature multiferroic properties and magnetoelectric coupling in [Bi.sub.4-x][Sm.sub.x][Ti.sub.3-x][Co.sub.x][O.sub.12-δ] ceramics

We present the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric studies of lead free; single phase [Bi.sub.4-x][Sm.sub.x][Ti.sub.3-x][Co.sub.x][O.sub.12-δ] (0 [less than or equal to] x ≤ 0.07) ceramics, synthesized using a standard solid-state reaction technique. Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals the relaxation of distortion in Ti[O.sub.6] octahedron. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the growth of plate-like grains. It is observed that with the substitution of [Sm.sup.3+] and [Co.sup.3+] ions the dielectric constant, loss tangent and ferroelectric transition temperature decreases. Electrical dc resistivity, remnant polarization and magnetization increases with increasing [Sm.sup.3+] and [Co.sup.3+] contents. The magnetoelectric coupling co-efficient, α = 0.65 mV [cm.sup.-1] [Oe.sup.-1] is realized for [Bi.sub.4-x][Sm.sub.x][Ti.sub.3-x][Co.sub.x][O.sub.12-δ] (x = 0.07) ceramic sample. Our results clearly demonstrate the lead free, multiferroic nature of Sm/Co-substituted [Bi.sub.4][Ti.sub.3][O.sub.12], which may find useful application in designing costeffective electromagnetic devices.