The magnetic properties of La doped and codoped BiFeO3

La doped BiFeO3, Bi(Fe0.95Co0.05)O3 and Bi(Fe0.95Mn0.05)O3 ceramics have been prepared by sol–gel method with rapid sintering process. X-ray diffraction spectra show that the impurity phase has been effectively suppressed by La doping. The magnetic measurements show that 10% La doping on Bi sites has little influence on the magnetic properties of BiFeO3 and Bi(Fe0.95Co0.05)O3, while significantly enhances the magnetization of Bi(Fe0.95Mn0.05)O3. Raman measurements show larger structure distortion by Co doping or La and Mn codoping on BiFeO3, which explains the significant enhancement of magnetization. Our results suggest that small amount of La doping can be an effective way to prepare high quality BiFeO3 and its derivatives.