Enhanced magnetization in multiferroic nanocomposite Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Mn0.05X0.05O3 (X= Cr, Co) thin films

•Chemical solution deposition of Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Mn0.05X0.05O3 (X= Cr, Co) thin films.•Local ferroelectric switching was investigated by piezoresponse force microscopy.•High saturation magnetization was observed at room temperature.•Presence of spin-glass type behavior in the studied thin films. In this work, we prepared and investigated the morphology, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Mn0.05X0.05O3 (X= Cr, Co) nanocomposite thin films. Microstructure study revealed that the surface morphology of the thin films is strongly dependent on the nature of the incorporated transition metal. Room temperature X-ray diffraction and Raman investigations have allowed the identification of formed phases. The local ferroelectric character of these nanocomposites thin films was investigated by piezoresponse force microscopy to get valuable information about the effect of Co3+ and Cr3+ incorporation on ferroelectric domain switching of Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Mn0.1O3 parent phase. Field dependence of magnetization measurements at room temperature showed that the presence of Co and Cr improved considerably the saturation magnetization with large and narrow open hysteresis loops, respectively. Moreover, the temperature dependence of magnetization measurements revealed the presence of a spin glass behavior in the studied nanocomposites thin films.