Effects of process parameter and excess Bi<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>on phase formation and electrical properties of BiFeO<inf>3</inf>ceramics

Abstract

The BiFeO3was prepared by a mixed oxide, solid-state reaction method. Excess Bi2O3(1-7wt%) was introduced prior to powder calcination to compensate for any Bi2O3that may have been lost from the samples due to volatilization during heat treatments. Various heating rates (1-10°C/min) were performed at the calcination state. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that pure phase BFO was observed for the samples calcined at a low heating rate (1°C/min) and contained lower amount of Bi2O3.The higher levels of excess Bi2O3produced an increased in dielectric constant and dielectric loss. Further, ferroelectric behavior was improved for higher amount Bi2O3contented samples. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.