The 10% Gd and Ti co-doped BiFeO3: A promising multiferroic material

In this investigation, undoped BiFeO3, Gd doped Bi0.9Gd0.1FeO3, and Gd-Ti co-doped Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe1-xTixO3 (x = 0.10, 0.20) materials were synthesized to report their multiferroic properties. The structural analysis and phase identification of these multiferroic ceramics were performed using Rietveld refinement. The Rietveld analysis has confirmed the high phase purity of the 10% Gd-Ti co-doped Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3 sample compared to that of other compositions under investigation. The major phase of this particular composition is of rhombohedral R3c type structure (wt% >99%) with negligible amount of impurity phases. In terms of characterization, we address magnetic properties of this co-doped ceramic system by applying substantially higher magnetic fields than that applied in previously reported investigations. The dependence of temperature and maximum applied magnetic fields on their magnetization behavior have also been investigated. Additionally, the leakage current density has been measured to explore its effect on the ferroelectric properties of this multiferroic system. The outcome of this investigation suggests that the substitution of 10% Gd and Ti in place of Bi and Fe, respectively, in BiFeO3 significantly enhances its multiferroic properties. The improved properties of this specific composition is associated with homogeneous reduced grain size, significant suppression of impurity phases and reduction in leakage current density which is further asserted by polarization vs. electric field hysteresis loop measurements. [Display omitted] •Undoped BiFeO3 and Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3 (x = 0.00–0.20) materials were synthesized.•Major phase of Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3 is R3c with negligible impurity phases.•For Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3, Mr and Hc are higher compared to other compositions.•The Bi0.9Gd0.1Fe0.9Ti0.1O3 exhibited HEB effect notably at room temperature.•Significant reduction in leakage current density was achieved by co-doping of Gd-Ti.