Ferroelectric and magnetic properties in high-pressure synthesized BiFeO3 compound

High-density polycrystalline BiFeO3 compound was synthesized by high-pressure annealing. Measurements of crystal structure, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties were made on the sample. It was found that the sample was almost single phase with a distorted R3c structure. The results of the X-ray photoelectron spectra demonstrate that the oxidation state of Fe in the sample is Fe3+. The room-temperature field dependence of magnetization for BiFeO3 exhibits a hysteretic behavior. The observed weak ferromagnetism could be ascribed to the lattice distortion induced by the high-pressure annealing. In addition, the local ferroelectric performance of the sample was studied by piezoresponse force microscopy.

► A high-density polycrystalline BiFeO3 compound was synthesized by high-pressure annealing method.
► The sample showed weak ferromagnetic at room temperature, which could be attributed to the lattice distortion induced by the high-pressure annealing.
► Irregular domains were observed on the surface of the sample by piezoresponse force microscopy, and a typical hysteresis loop was obtained.