Dielectric and magnetic studies of 0.5Bi2/3Cu3Ti4O12 - 0.5Bi3LaTi3O12 nano-composite ceramic synthesized by semi-wet route

A nano-composite electro ceramic with the chemical composition of 0.5Bi2/3Cu3Ti4O12 - 0.5Bi3LaTi3O12 was synthesized by a semi-wet route using high purity metal nitrate and solid TiO2 in a stoichiometric ratio. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of Bi3LaTi3O12 (BLTO) and Bi2/3Cu3Ti4O12 (BCTO) phases in the composites sintered at 900 °C for 8 h. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of the composite shows the presence of nanoparticles in the range of 55±3 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) study also substantiates the presence of nanoparticles in the composite. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that the surface morphology consists of plates like and spherical grains. The study of PE hysteresis loop revealed no saturation polarization which suggested lossy capacitor behavior of the composite. Magnetic behavior of the composite shows the weak ferromagnetic nature in M-T and M-H curve. The High observed value of dielectric constant (ε'=13.94×103) of the composite may be due to the presence of space charge polarization.