Synthesis and Multifunctional Characterization of Multiferroic BZT-BFO Nanocomposites for Biomedical Devices

Abstract

Background: Nanocomposites based on multiferroic barium zirconate titanate (BZT) and bismuth ferrite (BFO) present simultaneous ferroelectric and magnetic ordering, desirable for next-generation devices.[1]
Methods: BZT, BFO, and composite BZTBFO powders were synthesized by 12-hour high-energy ball milling of stoichiometric precursors, followed by sintering at 1400°C (BZT), 800°C (BFO), and 700°C (BZTBFO). Characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetricdifferential thermal analysis (TGDTA), density measurement, AC impedance spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM).
Results: XRD confirmed pure tetragonal phase in BZT (~57 nm crystallite size), orthorhombic/anorthic phase in BFO (~60 nm), and mixedphase BZTBFO with significantly reduced size (~27 nm). SEM revealed dense, uniform nanostructures for BZTBFO versus grain boundary fragmentation in BFO. TGDTA showed thermal stability beyond 800 °C. Relative densities reached ≈93% (BZT), 86% (BFO), and 92% (composite). Impedance measurements indicated the lowest resistance (~2.5 Ω) for BZT; the composite exhibited R ≈9 Ω. VSM showed the highest remanent polarization (Pr = 142 μC/mm²) and lowest coercivity (Ec = 0.71 kV/cm) for BZTBFO.
Conclusion: BZTBFO nanocomposite demonstrates enhanced structural, thermal, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties, highlighting its potential for multiferroic applications.[3]