Structural, optical and multiferroic properties of (1−x)BiFeO3–(x)Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 solid solution

(1− x )BiFeO 3 –( x )Pb(Fe 2/3 W 1/3 )O 3 ceramics ( x = 0.00–0.30) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction route. Structural characterization was done by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies. Existence of rhombohedral symmetry with the R 3 c space group up to x ≤ 0.20 and a transition to cubic symmetry with the P m 3 ¯ m space group for x > 0.25, confirmed with Rietveld refinement. Raman studies also confirm the significant modification at the A-site due to the replacement of Bi 3+ atom by Pb 2+ indicating the structural modification in Pb(Fe 2/3 W 1/3 )O 3 (PFW) in BiFeO 3 (BFO). Morphology and microstructure were observed using SEM micrographs and the average grain size was decreased with the increase in PFW concentration ( x ). Enhanced magnetic and ferroelectric properties were observed up to x ≤ 0.20, which can be attributed to the suppression of spin-canted structure and reduced leakage currents. Hence, BFO–PFW solid ceramics, with a limited low composition region, can be useful for magneto-electric device applications.