Pyroelectric properties and electrical conductivity in samarium doped BiFeO3 ceramics

► Fabrication of Sm-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) ceramics using a modified solid-state reaction method was reported. ► The structural, electrical and pyroelectrical properties of the Sm-doped BFO were characterized. ► The effects of the Sm-dopant on the pyroelectric as well as electrical properties of BFO were revealed. ► The magnetic Néel temperature decreased with increasing Sm3+ doping level.