Three-dimensional phases-connectivity and strong magnetoelectric response of self-assembled feather-like CoFe2O4-BaTiO3 nanostructures

Magnetoelectric (ME) (CoFe2O4)0.3-(BaTiO3)0.7 (CFO-BTO) nanostructures have been synthesized by a combinative using of hydrothermal reaction and polymer-assisted deposition. The feather-like nanostructures have an average diameter of 250 nm and lengths up to 5 μm, with the single-crystal CFO nanopillars embedded in the BTO matrix. The CFO-BTO nanostructures exhibit good ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties, as well as a large ME coefficient of 51.8 mV/cm Oe. A model has been proposed to explain the three-dimensional phases-connectivity of the nanostructures. And it is suggested that the novel type of phases-connectivity greatly promote the ME response.

Graphical abstractThe self-assembled feather-like CFO-BTO nanostructures and their magnetic and electric hysteresis loops.Download high-res image (41KB)Download full-size imageResearch highlights► Novel ME CFO-BTO nanostructures are synthesized by a cost-effective chemical route. ► A strong ME response has been achieved in the CFO-BTO nanostructures. ► The CFO-BTO exhibits good ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties. ► A novel three-dimensional phases-connectivity promotes the ME effect. ► The formation mechanism of the nanostructures has been clarified.