Structural, magnetic and optical properties of Ho–Co codoped BiFeO3 nanoparticles

• Ho–Co codoped BiFeO3 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel route.
• Orthorhombic phase has been confirmed from XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy.
• M–H loops and ESR spectra suggested highest spontaneous magnetization of 3.71 emu/g for x=0.15 sample.
• Two d–d crystal field transitions and three C–T transitions were observed in the spectral range from 1.1 to 5 eV.

Structural, magnetic and optical properties of Bi0.85Ho0.15Fe1−xCoxO3 (x=0.0–0.15) nanoparticles have been studied. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra demonstrate orthorhombic structure for all samples. Spontaneous magnetization of Ho–Co co-substituted BiFeO3 nanoparticles increased up to 3.71 emu/g for x=0.15. Electron spin resonance analysis showed that the addition of Co2+ ions is likely to increase the spin canting angle and reduces anisotropy which favors the enhanced ferromagnetism. Optical studies in the spectral range from 1.1 to 5 eV showed two d–d crystal field transitions and three charge–transfer transitions with band gap variation from 2.60 to 2.38 eV.

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