Structural, dielectric and magnetic studies of multiferroics Bi1-xSrxFeO3 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5)

Abstract A series of Bi 1-x Sr x FeO 3 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) multiferroic samples have been prepared using rapid two stage solid state reaction method in order to study the effect of different concentrations of strontium on the crystal structure, dielectric and magnetic properties. Structural analysis has been performed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Rietveld refined XRD data confirms that all the samples are of single phase, having hexagonal structure with R 3 c space group. Unit cell volume decreases with increase in Sr 2+ concentration. Dielectric measurements have been performed in the temperature range of 295–520 K at selected frequencies in the range 100–900 kHz which show weak frequency dispersion. Activation energies are calculated for all the samples. Considerable enhancement in magnetic properties has been observed particularly for 40% and 50% doped samples. Further, exchange bias in hysteresis loop of 50% doped sample has also been observed.