Structural and electrical properties of Sm-substituted BiFeO3 thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition

► The electrical properties of Sm-substituted BiFeO3 thin films are investigated. ► Leakage current reduced and improved breakdown characteristic. ► Polarization-electric field hysteresis loops recorded with 3 V coercive voltages. ► Improved fatigue endurance with no significant degradation in Pr after 108 cycles. ► These films have potential for applications in low voltage operational devices.