Effect of annealing temperature on the multiferroic properties of 0.7BiFeO3–0.3Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 solid solution prepared by sol–gel method

Room-temperature multiferroic 0.7BiFeO3–0.3Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 solid solution ceramics have been prepared by the sol–gel method. We have discussed the annealing temperature dependence of the multiferroic properties. The samples are annealed at 1023, 1123, 1223 and 1323 K for 3 h, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns identify that all samples are pure. Scanning electron micrographs present the increasing grain size with higher annealing temperature. Magnetic, ferroelectric and dielectric properties are enhanced obviously with the increase in annealing temperature. The coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties is also proved at room temperature. In addition, it reveals that the optimal annealing temperature accompanied with favorable multiferroic properties of 0.7BiFeO3–0.3Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 solid solution ceramics is near 1223 K.