Optimization of the mechanochemical conditions for the synthesis of the xBiFeO3–(1 − x)PbTiO3 multiferroic system

The xBiFeO3–(1 − x)PbTiO3 solid solution is nowadays one of the most promising multiferroic systems. However, the obtaining of single phases with a high crystallinity is difficult by the conventional methods. In this work, the mechanochemical method has been optimized, testing different parameters in the reaction to obtain the suitable conditions of synthesis. The investigated parameters were: the atmosphere conditions and the material of the reaction medium. Single phases with compositions belonging to the whole system (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been obtained, being the mechanochemical reaction with tungsten carbide vessel the best synthesis medium. The structural characterization of the obtained powders has been carried out by XRD and microstructures of powdered samples have been studied by SEM and TEM.

► High-energy ball milling with tungsten carbide vessel as an optimum approach to mechanosynthesize the xBiFeO3–(1 − x)PbTiO3 solid solution. ► Oxygen atmosphere avoids reduction of starting materials and formation of secondary phases during milling process in steel medium. ► Obtained xBiFeO3–(1 − x)PbTiO3 solid solution with a clear coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal perovskite phases in the MPB region.