Controllable microstructures and multiferroic properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3–CoFe2O4 composite films

1–3 and 2–2 types Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3–CoFe2O4 (PZT–CFO) composite films with controllable microstructures, consisted by CFO nanopillar embedded in PZT matrix and PZT–CFO gratings respectively, have been fabricated on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by combining lithography technology and pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction confirms that the films are well crystallized under optimized postannealing conditions. Scanning electron microscope reveals that the periodic microstructures can be well controlled. Especially, intrinsic room temperature ferroelectric and ferrimagnetic behaviors are observed simultaneously. The structure–properties relationship is discussed. Our results may provide an alternative method to design and prepare multiferroic composite films with controllable microstructures.