Phase Formation, Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of BiFeO3 Synthesized by Sol-Gel Auto Combustion Method Using Different Solvents

In this research nano particles of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion route. The effect of water and ethylene glycol solvents were studied on phase constituents, magnetic properties and microstructure of the bismuth ferrite by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. XRD results displayed formation of bismuth ferrite in both samples. Also lateral phases such as Bi2O3 and Fe3O4 was formed in the sample synthesized with aqueous solvent. Using ethylene glycol as solvent the amount of formed Bi2O3 and Fe3O4 phases would be reduced. SEM results showed refinement of particles to the sizes less than 100nm, more uniformity inparticle size distribution and also reduction of their aggregation in the sample synthesized with ethylene glycol in comparison with the sample synthesized in aqueous solvent. VSM results of the combustion products show reduction of Ms value from 11.83emu/g to 10.61emu/g using ethylene glycol. After heat treating of the samples at 650°C, Ms values reach to 4emu/g and 2emu/g in the samples synthesized at aqueous and ethylene glycol solvents respectively. Changes in phase constituents, Microstructure and Magnetic properties have been discussed.