Nd-substituted bismuth titanate ferroelectric nanofibers by electrospinning

Nd-substituted bismuth titanate (Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12, BNT) nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning method utilizing a solution that contained poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and sol–gel precursor solution of BNT. The BNT/PVP composite fibers were calcined in air for 1 h at 500, 600, 700, 750, and 800∘C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-synthesized and calcined BNT/PVP composite nanofibers. The experimental results showed that the diameter, morphology, and crystallization of the nanofibers are influenced by the calcination temperature. After calcination at 700∘C, BNT fibers are fully crystallized and exhibit a polycrystalline bismuth-layered perovskite structure, with a diameter of 70–160 nm and a length of over 6μm.