One-pot self-catalyzed synthesis and properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 single-phase crystallites by sucrose-assisted combustion

A facile and effective self-catalyzed sucrose combustion was developed to synthesize single-phase BiFeO3 (BFO) that exhibited unusual ferromagnetic properties. Microscopy techniques were employed to examine morphologies and structures of the BFO. Reaction mechanism of the formation of the BFO was deduced by using thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Moreover, optical properties of the BFO were investigated by using UV–vis spectroscopy. Both magnetization hysteresis loops and zero field-cooling/field-cooling indicated that BFO had typical characteristics of spin-glass. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to expose the origin of the magnetism of the sample.

Graphical abstractWell single-phase multiferroic BiFeO3 was instantaneously prepared successfully by a facile and rapid strategy assisted by self-catalyzed sucrose combustion. Its structure, morphology and unusual ferromagnetic properties were investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Well single-phase multiferroic BFO is instantaneously prepared successfully by this facile and low-cost process relative to other solid state way, which avoids the repeated grinding and palletizing. ► The reaction takes place under a very moderate heating at 250 °C, and the required time is very short as the whole process is completed in less than 3 min. ► The reaction mechanism is deduced by thermal analysis: a self-canalization triggers the combustion of the fuel lead to form BFO in present of metal oxides. ► The prepared single-phase BFO has optical and unusual ferromagnetic properties.