Magnetoelectric behavior of ferrimagnetic BixCo2−xMnO4 (x=0, 0.1 and 0.3) thin films

► In view of multiferroicity based practical device applications, for the first time synthesis and magnetoelectric characterization of single phase Bi-substituted Co2MnO4 in thin film form is undertaken. ► Thin films are grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) as the stoichiometry of the target can be retained in the films. ► For ferroelectric measurements, YBCO buffer layer is stabilized. ► Bi-substitution in the cobalt based manganite spinel was confirmed to improve the magnetoelectric behavior. ► Bi-substituted Co2MnO4 is supposed to assure its candidature in multiferroic applications.