High-resolution structural studies and covalent bond interactions in BiFeO3-PbTiO3 compounds: The role of ferroism

Author(s)

Cotica, L. F. ^[1] ; Freitas, V. F. ^[1] ; Catellani, I. B. ^[1] ; Santos, I. A. ^[1] ; Garcia, D. ^[2] ; Eiras, J. A. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Maringa, Dept Phys, BR-87020900 Maringa, PR - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Physics Letters; v. 101, n. 17 OCT 22 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 15

Abstract

The origin of enhanced ferroism in La-modified BiFeO3-PbTiO3 compounds is investigated by examining chemical bonding in high-resolution structural measurements. It is shown that structural modifications in the perovskite A-site, such as absent or inactive lone-pair ions, lead to reduced covalence in A-O bonds and increased covalence in B-O bonds for the tetragonal phase. This change in bond character results in a structural accommodation that favors the rhombohedral over the tetragonal phase, which also enhances the ferroic properties. These observations highlight the influence of modifiers on BiFeO3-PbTiO3 bonds and phase stabilization mechanisms. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. {[}http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4761989] (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/04025-0 - Nanostructured multifunctional multiferroic materials: synthesis, properties, phenomenology and applications
• Grantee: José Antonio Eiras
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants