Magnetoelectric response of 3-phase (1−x)[0.7BiFeO3–0.3CoFe2O4]–xPbTiO3 multiferroic ceramic composites.

Magnetoelectric coupling in some special materials among the multiferroics family can provide an extra degree of freedom for the functioning of future multifunctional devices. In this context, here, we report a systematic study of multiferroic, 3-phase, (1−x)[0.7BiFeO3–0.3CoFe2O4]–xPbTiO3 composites (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) with magnetically tunned robust magnetoelectric (ME) coupling. These composites were synthesized through sol–gel technique and sintering process. The crystalline phases of rhombohedral BiFeO3, spinel cubic CoFe2O4, and tetragonal PbTiO3 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the surface microstructures and an energy-dispersive spectroscopy provided the stoichiometric elemental confirmation. Significantly improved dielectric, magnetic, ferroelectric, and lower ac-leakage behavior were observed. The optimum best dielectric properties, saturation polarization, saturation magnetization, and ME couplings were observed for the 10% PTO (x = 0.1) in the composite series. These properties confirmed that a critical amount of PTO could provide enhanced, magnetically robust polarization, making it an excellent tuning candidate for composite properties and multifunctional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]