Search

As a multiferroic material with substantial magnetoelectric coupling, gallium ferrite (GaFeO3, GFO) has been intensively studied in recent years. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) nano-hollowsphere (NHS), on the other hand, is found to be an efficient material for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption. In this work, a composite consisting of magnetostrictive CFO NHS coated with GFO nanoparticles [(1−x)CoFe2O4 – xGaFeO3, for x = 0.0, 0.9, 0.7, 0.5, 0.3, and 1.0] is prepared as an effective strategy to develop highly efficient microwave material. The EM wave absorption properties of the samples are thoroughly investigated across a widely used frequency range of 1–20 GHz. Remarkable performance of the x = 0.7 composite is evident by its effective bandwidth of approximately 3 GHz and a minimum reflection loss of approximately −63.26 dB. Moreover, the excellent impedance matching, with |Zin/Z0| ≅ 1.00, observed in the aforementioned composite, satisfies well with the required characteristics for a superior microwave absorber. Therefore, a core–shell nanostructure consisting of CFO NHS as core and GFO with optimized shell thickness can be used successfully in microwave devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetoelectric (ME) effects in a ferromagnetic and piezoelectric composite are the changes in the polarization caused by a magnetic field or the changes in the magnetization caused by an electric field. These effects are aided by the mechanical deformation in the ferroic phases caused by the combination of magnetostriction and piezoelectricity. Interest in ME effects is due to a variety of physical phenomena they exhibit, as well as their potential applications in the creation of highly sensitive magnetic field sensors and other electronic devices. Linear ME effects in structures with layers of different ferroic materials have been studied extensively. However, nonlinear ME effects, which are caused by the nonlinearity of the magnetic, dielectric, and acoustic properties of ferromagnets and piezoelectrics, are less well understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on nonlinear ME (NLME) effects in composite heterostructures and to discuss their potential applications. The review begins by discussing the characteristics of materials that are conductive to the occurrence of NLME effects and ferromagnetic-piezoelectric materials that are most commonly used to study such effects. The review then provides details on theoretical approaches to the description of NLME effects in heterostructures and experimental methods for studying these effects. Finally, the review presents a chronological overview of the experimentally observed NLME effects in composite structures excited by low-frequency and pulsed magnetic or electric fields. The review concludes with a discussion on the potential applications of NLME effects for highly sensitive magnetic field sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a molecular beam epitaxy technique, we experimentally demonstrate a multiferroic heterostructure consisting of metastable ferromagnetic Co 3 Mn on piezoelectric Pb(Mg 1 / 3 Nb 2 / 3 )O 3 –PbTiO 3 (PMN-PT). Inserting a 2-nm-thick Fe layer between Co 3 Mn and PMN-PT(001) allows the formation of bcc Co 3 Mn layers even at an extremely low growth temperature of ∼ 80 ° C. Upon increasing this temperature to 200 ° C, a bcc Co 3 Mn/Fe/PMN-PT(001) multiferroic heterostructure with a relatively large saturation magnetization of ∼ 1680 kA/m and an atomically flat interface is obtained, resulting in an obvious converse magnetoelectric (CME) effect. The large CME effect originates mainly from the strain-induced modulation of the magnetic anisotropy energy, supported by the first-principles calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique ability of multiferroic materials to display the effect of magnetoelectric coupling, ideally at room temperature, makes them an enormous source of technological application. La-doped Bi 0.9 FeO 3 is a well-known potential applicant to be operated in multiferroic applications but, weak magnetoelectric response is one of this material's limitations. To address this issue, a series of nanocomposites is presented here by combining them with optimized SrFe 12 O 19 contents. The SrFe 12 O 19 has a hexagonal crystal structure with space group P 6 3 / mmc while Bi 0.9 La 0.1 FeO 3 (BLFO) possesses a rhombohedral crystal structure with space group R 3 m , confirmed by structural analysis. A homogenous distribution of grains in bi/phase composites was seen. Using PE loops, the ferroelectric nature of this composite is determined, revealing significant polarization, remanent polarization, and efficiency. Recoverable energy and energy loss density from the charging and discharging curves demonstrate that the composite has potential for energy storage devices. Furthermore, fast switching capability of the composites make it more prominent because it consumes less energy while switching of the polarization. In addition, the magnetic properties of the composite also enhanced which make it potential candidate for utilization into multifunctional devices. [Display omitted] • Facile synthesis of multiferroic composites using low cost, non-toxic and time saving synthesis route. • Optimization of composite recipe to achieve considerable recoverable energy density. • Efficient and fast switching charge density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological spin Hall effect (TSHE), promoted by coupling between noncoplanar spins and real‐space topology, is a significant phenomenon in condensed matter physics. However, the control of TSHE characteristics is missing due to its intrinsic robustness, and such fundamental difficulty prevents it from being used for spintronics up to now. Here, a rational design approach is demonstrated to engineer TSHE in a controllable and reversible fashion. Through symmetry and model analysis, it is unveiled that antiferromagnetic topological charge, as well as Lorentz forces, acted on conduction electrons, can be coupled with Dzyaloshinskii‐Moriya interaction chirality for antiferromagnetic bimerons in 2D multiferroic materials. Such coupling guarantees the ferroelectric control of TSHE. Using first‐principles calculations and atomic spin model simulations, the validity of this mechanism is further demonstrated in multiferroic monolayer CuCr2Se4 with experimental feasibility. The alter‐chirality of the Dzyaloshinskii‐Moriya interaction is found to play a crucial role in realizing this mechanism. This results extend TSHE to be used in spintronics and open a new direction for spintronics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ferroic order, ferrospintronic (FSp) order, arising in some magnetic materials lacking inversion symmetry is reported on. Emerging from a macroscopic spontaneous symmetry breaking of both the time reversal T and the spatial inversion, while maintaining the symmetry, the order parameter is given by the dipolar moment of the spin density PS$P_{\text{S}}$. Herein a model is advanced that fulfills the symmetry requirements mentioned earlier and its properties are investigated. With the aid of a mean‐field theory, its stability against thermal fluctuations is studied and evidence of truly ferroic states that result from breaking its symmetry is provided. Three predictions that can be checked experimentally to distinguish this class of materials from other compounds are provided. In the first place, it is illustrated that FSp systems host the potential for multiferroic behavior. Second, it is shown that the generic FSp system responds under strain by generating spin currents that can be used in spintronic devices, therefore showing a piezospintronic effect. Finally, it is proven that domain walls in the FSp order parameter lead to magnetoresistive effects. All of the findings mentioned earlier are a significant breakthrough in spintronics and multiferroic phenomena and they have wide‐ranging implications for advancing materials and technologies, particularly in computing and energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic fluids are novel fluid-based multiferroic composites in which particles can change their magnetization/polarization direction with an external field. In this study, CoFe2O4–PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (CFO-PZT) multiferroic fluids were prepared by the milling method, and the effects of PZT particle size on settlement stability and magnetoelectric properties were systematically investigated. Crystal structure analysis shows that pure-phase CFO and PZT particles were successfully prepared. The microscopic morphology analysis indicates that the PZT particle size decreases as the carbon template size increases. Settlement stability is better when the particle size is 1.36 ± 0.04 μm. As the particle size decreases, the dielectric constant first increases then decreases, and finally increases. The residual polarization intensity decreases with decreasing particle size, but the saturation polarization intensity first increases and then decreases. After the magnetic field is applied, dielectric characteristics and ferroelectric properties decrease, showing the "negative magnetoelectric effect". When the particle size is 1.89 ± 0.04 μm, the CFO-PZT multiferroic fluid has the maximum magnetodielectric and magnetoelectric coupling coefficients of 3.36% and − 3.39 V/(cm·Oe), respectively. Therefore, multiferroic fluids are expected to broaden the application fields of multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature (RT) multiferroic materials have received significant research attention for various potential applications; however, their properties are not suitable for real‐world implementation. In this study, a nano‐scale localized flexoelectric effect is introduced to enhance the RT multiferroic performance of epitaxial bismuth iron oxide (BiFeO3; BFO) thin films by embedding 10 mol% Ba(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BCN) nano‐clusters into the host BFO film, which originally has a rhombohedral crystal structure. By utilizing nano‐clustering, a large out‐of‐plane coherent strain is localized around the nano‐clusters, resulting in a highly strained tetragonality of the BFO structure; subsequently, the films exhibit peculiar types of domains and domain walls, such as nano‐scale rotational vortices and antiparallel dipole configurations. These peculiar domain structures, which originate from the localized flexoelectric effect at the nano‐scale, enable excellent ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and RT multiferroic magnetoelectric coupling. This study reveals that the local variation in the localized flexoelectric field around nano‐clusters considerably impacts the formation of unusual domain‐wall structures. This suggests that the controlled introduction of nano‐clusters with different crystal structures is promising for achieving the desired multiferroic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-phase multiferroics are fractional and rarely meet at room temperature. Direct magnetoelectric coupling in relaxor ferroic phase was observed in Bi6−xPrxTi3Fe2O18 (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2) films, where the chemical disorder doping-induced effective internal pressure played a key role. It is analytically formulated from the phase-structure shift, ferroelectric domain, and origin of the magnetic order. The strip magnetic domains are broken into a dotted domain structure following a quantitatively increase in lattice stress. A Monte Carlo simulation including stress energy items is used to unveil the hitherto unexplored coupling mechanism by tuning the symmetric exchange restriction of Fe3+–O–Fe3+. Moreover, the observation of coefficient 78.8 mV/cm·Oe at room temperature is intriguing for potential application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiferroic composite that comprises of a non‐ferromagnetic ferroelectric material with a high dielectric constant and a non‐ferroelectric ferromagnetic material with a high magnetostriction is of tremendous interest as microwave absorption material due to its applicability in tunable microwave phase shifters, resonators, filters, absorbers, etc. In the previous work, the solid solution of strontium titanate and sodium bismuth titanate (Sr0.5(Na0.5Bi0.5)0.5TiO3, SNBT50), which is observed to possess a very high dielectric constant at room temperature (Ferroelectrics, Vol 583, 252–263 [2021]), is successfully reported. Thus, in this work, a core–shell magnetoelectric composite is prepared by coating highly ferromagnetic and magnetostrictive cobalt ferrite onto a diamagnetic but strongly ferroelectric SNBT50 to enhance its magnetic properties and to investigate the modification in microwave absorption. Detailed characterization of electric and magnetic parameters in microwave frequency range (1–20 GHz) reports substantial enhancement in the magnetic permeabilities as well as the magnetic loss of the composite system, as opposed to bare SNBT50. This results in improved impedance matching in the system and enhanced microwave absorption, with a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −20.19 dB and an increased effective absorption bandwidth of 4.56 GHz at a mere 2.7 mm absorber length. Consequently, in this investigation, a promising pathway is established for the development of multiferroic composites with favorable magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature that possesses wide absorption bandwidth and suitable RL, making them highly suitable for use in multiferroic‐based microwave components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric domain walls are nanoscale objects that can be created, positioned, and erased on demand. They often embody functional properties that are distinct from the surrounding bulk material. Enhanced conductivity, for instance, is observed at charged ferroelectric domain walls. Regrettably, domain walls of this type are scarce because of the energetically unfavorable electrostatics. This hinders the current technological development of domain‐wall nanoelectronics. Here this constraint is overcome by creating robust domain‐wall‐like objects in epitaxial oxide heterostructures. Charged head‐to‐head (HH) and tail‐to‐tail (TT) junctions are designed with two ferroelectric layers (BaTiO3 and BiFeO3) that have opposing out‐of‐plane polarization. To test domain‐wall‐like functionalities, an ultrathin ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 layer is inserted into the junctions. The interfacial electron or hole accumulation at the interfaces, set by the HH and TT polarization configurations, respectively, controls the LSMO conductivity and magnetization. Thus it is proposed that trilayers reminiscent of artificial domain walls provide magnetoelectric functionality and may constitute an important building block in the design of oxide‐based electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials are recognized as promising candidates for next-generation nanodevices due to their tunable magnetoelectric coupling and distinctive physical phenomena. In this study, we proposed a novel 2D multiferroic van der Waals heterostructure (vdWH) by stacking atomic layers of ferroelectric In2Se3 and ferromagnetic MnI3. Using first-principles calculations, we found that the MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH exhibit robust metallic conductivity across various spin and polarization states, preserving the distinctive band characteristics of isolated In2Se3 and MnI3. However, the alignment of Fermi levels causes the conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) of In2Se3 and MnI3 to shift relative to their original band structures. Remarkably, the MnI3/In2Se3 with the upward polarization state of In2Se3 exhibits an Ohmic contact. Switching the polarization direction of In2Se3 from upward to downward can transform the MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH from an Ohmic contact to a p-type Schottky contact, while also modifying its dipole moment, magnetic strength and direction. Based on these properties of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH, we designed the field-effect transistors (FETs) with high on/off rates and nonvolatile data storage device. Furthermore, the Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), magnetic moment, and dipole moment of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH can also be effectively regulated by reducing the interlayer distance. With the continuous reduction of the interlayer distance of MnI3/In2Se3 vdWH, its easy magnetization axis is expected to shift from in-plane to out-of-plane. These findings offer new insights for the design and development of the next-generation spintronic and nonvolatile memory nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic materials have been intensively pursued to achieve the mutual control of electric and magnetic properties. The breakthrough progress in 2D magnets and ferroelectrics encourages the exploration of low-dimensional multiferroics, which holds the promise of understanding inscrutable magnetoelectric coupling and inventing advanced spintronic devices. However, confirming ferroelectricity with optical techniques is challenging in 2D materials, particularly in conjunction with antiferromagnetic orders in single- and few-layer multiferroics. Here, we report the discovery of 2D vdW multiferroic with out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization in trilayer NiI2 device, as revealed by scanning reflective magnetic circular dichroism microscopy and ferroelectric hysteresis loops. The evolution between ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases has been unambiguously observed. Moreover, the magnetoelectric interaction is directly probed by magnetic control of the multiferroic domain switching. This work opens up opportunities for exploring multiferroic orders and multiferroic physics at the limit of single or few atomic layers, and for creating advanced magnetoelectronic devices. The authors find the coexistence of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric states induced by chiral degeneracy in helical magnetic order in trilayer NiI2, along with the emergence of exotic magnetoelectric coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to single-phase multiferroic materials, multiferroic (MF)-magnetoelectric (ME) composites, which combine magnetic and ferroelectric materials, show improved (many orders of magnitude) ME coupling and a higher operating temperature (beyond room temperature). In the present study, lead-free multiferroic Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4/BaTiO3 (NCFO/BTO) composites with different weight percentages were prepared through the solid-state reaction approach. The phase purity and structural confirmation were carried out using X-ray diffractograms. The XRD peak shifting in the composites has been observed, and it is attributed to the formation of residual stresses/strains during the sample's grinding, heating, and freezing processes. Fourier-transformative infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of metal-oxygen bonds in spinel NCFO and Ti-O and Ba-O bonds in perovskite BaTiO3. UV-vis spectra disclose the energy gap values of the magnetoelectric composites. It has been found that the energy gap values for pure ferrite are 1.53 eV, the pure ferroelectric phase is 2.99 eV, and the composites possess the Eg values of 1.78 eV, 2.33 eV, 2.77 eV with decreasing ferrite concentration. The M-H hysteresis loops reveal the ferromagnetic nature of pure ferrite as well as the presence of ferromagnetism in composites. The magnetic moment of the NCFO has been found as 2.26 µB and it further decreased to 0.59 µB for the 0.25NCFO-0.75BTO compound. The magneto crystalline anisotropy has been calculated using the law of approach (LA) method and the details are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the hardness and wear resistance of die cutting tools is an important issue in the study of the service life of die cutting equipment. Using laser cladding technology, nickel-based composite coatings with varying BiFeO3 contents were prepared on a 45 steel substrate, because BiFeO3 can have an effect on the dilution rate and microstructure of the sample; morover BiFeO3 is a new type of multiferroic material with certain magneto-electric coupling effects which can be prepared for the study of added magnetic fields. The microstructure and morphology were characterized to determine the optimal BiFeO3 content. Based on the optimal addition of BiFeO3, a comparative analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of different magnetic field strengths under a composite energy field on the microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of Ni-based WC cladding layers. The results show that the optimal addition of BiFeO3 was 5 wt%. At this concentration, there were no significant porosity defects in the coating, and the dilution rate was appropriate (4.77%). Additionally, the interface bonding strength was also increased. With optimal BiFeO3 addition, stirring with different magnetic field strengths was applied to the cladding layer, and the results show that the aspect ratio of the cladding layer gradually increased with increasing the alternating magnetic field strength. When the magnetic field strength in the composite energy field was 40 mT, the microstructure was fine and uniform, the hardness of the cladding layer reached the highest level, about 925.2 HV1.0, the wear resistance was also the best, the friction coefficient of the cladding layer was about 0.54, and the width of the wear mark was about 0.53 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unexplored type-II multiferroic order in NiMn 2 O 4 , exhibiting strong linear magnetoelectric coupling above liquid-nitrogen (LN) temperature. The compound becomes ferroelectric at ∼ 100 K, coinciding with ferrimagnetic ordering, with a polarization value of ∼ 535 μ C/m 2 for a poling field of 5 kV/cm. At LN temperature, the polarization value increases linearly (∼ 21 %) with a magnetic field up to 30 kOe. Rietveld refinement of neutron diffraction patterns reveals a ferrimagnetic model with antiparallel moments at tetrahedral and octahedral sites, as well as a canting of octahedral moment persisting up to ∼ 100 K. Low-temperature synchrotron diffraction confirms a step-like oxygen displacement during multiferroic ordering, suggesting that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction polarizes the intervening oxygen atoms through magnetostriction, providing a microscopic mechanism for spontaneous electric polarization in this linear magnetoelectric multiferroic compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unexplored type-II multiferroic order in NiMn 2 O 4 , exhibiting strong linear magnetoelectric coupling above liquid-nitrogen (LN) temperature. The compound becomes ferroelectric at ∼ 100 K, coinciding with ferrimagnetic ordering, with a polarization value of ∼ 535 μ C/m 2 for a poling field of 5 kV/cm. At LN temperature, the polarization value increases linearly (∼ 21 %) with a magnetic field up to 30 kOe. Rietveld refinement of neutron diffraction patterns reveals a ferrimagnetic model with antiparallel moments at tetrahedral and octahedral sites, as well as a canting of octahedral moment persisting up to ∼ 100 K. Low-temperature synchrotron diffraction confirms a step-like oxygen displacement during multiferroic ordering, suggesting that the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction polarizes the intervening oxygen atoms through magnetostriction, providing a microscopic mechanism for spontaneous electric polarization in this linear magnetoelectric multiferroic compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relativistic ratcheting of Dirac fermions on the surface of topological insulator Bi 2 Se 3 attached to a spiral multiferroic oxide is investigated. We find that the Dirac fermions on the surface of topological insulator Bi 2 Se 3 exhibit pronounced Brownian motion, tuned by the strength of exchange field established by the interaction of spin degrees of Dirac fermions and multiferroic oxide. The surface Dirac fermions show ratchet effect as a net current under the influence of orthogonal, commensurate ac drives in the presence of a symmetric periodic potential set by the exchange field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic composites of sol-gel synthesized Sodium Bismuth Titanate (Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3) and Co–Ti substituted Barium Hexaferrite (BaFe 12-2x Co x Ti x O 19 ; x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) in the ratio 3:1 was synthesized through ceramic route. Successful formation of R3c rhombohedral and P63 / mmc hexagonal phases corresponding to Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 and BaFe 12-2x Co x Ti x O 19 respectively was confirmed from the XRD and Rietveld refinement pattern. The frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric constant and loss of the composite systems exhibited typical dispersion behaviour which could be understood using the Maxwell-Wagner model. Substituted samples showed enhanced dielectric behaviour where dielectric constant was observed to increase while loss tangent decreased. Using the Universal Jonscher's Power law (JPL), conductivition mechanisms of the composite systems were studied from the ac conductivity behaviour which revealed that the x = 0.0 sample followed Non-overlapping Small Polaron Tunnelling (NSPT) model while the remaining samples followed the Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) model. The complex impedance and Nyquist plot analysis showed the enhancement of resistive property in the x ≠ 0 systems. Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements were conducted, and the associated parameters were determined with the assistance of the Law of Approach to Saturation (LAS). Favourable reduction in the magnetic anisotropy was observed indicating the disturbance of magnetic spin structure in the hexaferrite phase. The P-E loops established the novel room temperature multiferroic nature of the composite systems. Significant magnetoelectric coupling was detected at room temperature in all samples, with the x = 0.5 sample exhibiting the highest value of approximately 59.81 mV/cmOe. These desirable properties suggest that the composites may find future device applications as in magnetically tunable energy harvesting devices and self-powered magnetoelectric sensors in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a microscopic model and Green's function theory, we have investigated the co-doping effect on ferroelectric KNbO3 nanoparticles. Let us emphasize that while the doping with transition metal ions at the Nb site leads an increase in the ferromagnetism and a reduction the band gap, it also decreases the ferroelectricity. On the other hand, doping with La or Ba at the K site leads to enhanced polarization, but does not lead to the appearance of ferromagnetism and reduction in the band gap. Therefore, we have studied co-doping with La/Cr and La/Co ions, which leads to increasing the magnetization and polarization as well as to strongly decreasing the band gap energy. Thus, we observe a multiferroic material with room-temperature ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity as well as small band gap energy which can be tuned using various co-doping ions. There is a good agreement with the existing experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorhombic perovskite GdFeO3 nanostructures are promising materials with multiferroic properties. In this study, a new low‐temperature plasma‐assisted approach is developed via dual anodic dissolution of solid metallic precursors for the preparation of perovskite GdFeO3 nanoparticles (NPs) that can be collected both as colloids as well as deposited as a thin film on a substrate. Two solid metallic foils of Gd and Fe are used as precursors, adding to the simplicity and sustainability of the method. The formation of the orthorhombic perovskite GdFeO3 phase is supported by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman measurements, while a uniform elemental distribution of Gd, Fe, and O is confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, proving the successful preparation of ternary compound NPs. The magnetic properties of the NPs show zero remnant magnetization typical of antiferromagnetic materials, and saturation at high fields that can be caused by spin interaction between Gd and Fe magnetic sublattices. The formation mechanism of ternary compound NPs in this novel plasma‐assisted method is also discussed. This method is also modified to demonstrate the direct one‐step deposition of thin films, opening up opportunities for their future applications in the fabrication of magnetic memory devices and gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the multiferroic perovskite Er0.9La0.1Cr0.8Fe0.2O3 was synthesized using the sol–gel method, and its structure and multiferroic properties were investigated. The magnetic order of Er0.9La0.1Cr0.8Fe0.2O3 was analyzed through magnetic entropy change curves. Furthermore, a four‐sublattice molecular field model was constructed to study the spin reorientation phenomena and explain the differences between various spin redirections through magnetic order correction. This work will provide a new perspective for studying the properties of type II multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroics with compositions BiFeO3, Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 and BiFe0.90Ho0.10O3 have been successfully prepared by solid-state reaction method. The structural analysis of Ho-substituted BiFeO3 affirms that the compounds are crystallized under rhombohedral perovskite structure with space group $R\overline 3 c$ R 3 ¯ c along with non-perovskite Bi2Fe4O9 phase. Cuboidal-shaped grains are observed in the micrographs of the Ho-substituted BiFeO3 sample with Ho at the Fe site. The changes in electrical and dielectric parameters with Ho substitution at the A-/B-site of BiFeO3 have a strong co-relation to its structural density, phase transformation and presence of Bi2Fe4O9 phase. These parameters are strongly dependent on the frequency, and its high values are obtained at low frequency because of the space charge polarization effect. The smaller values of impedance phase angles of BiFeO3, Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 and BiFe0.90Ho0.10O3 compounds compared to the anticipated $90^\circ$ 90 ∘ for an ideal capacitor show that these BFO-based compounds possess non-ideal capacitive/pseudocapacitive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing need for advancement in data storage technology demands materials that can be controlled by as many degrees as possible. In this regard, multiferroic materials that show response both in electric and magnetic dimensions are of great interest especially when being investigated in two-dimensional materials that have their potential applications. In this study, we have incorporated Lanthanum (La) doped Bismuth Ferrite (BLFO), and La and Selenium (Se) co-doped BFO (BLFSO) with two-dimensional layered titanium carbide (Ti 3 C 2 T x) from the class of MXene as hybrid composites. The structural, optical and morphological investigation validated the successful etching of MXene from MAX, successful hybrid formation with conserved crystal structure and new phases of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) detected when the samples underwent heat treatment. This heat treatment was performed in order to enhance the multiferroic properties owing to the presence of TiO 2. Our results showed that the heated BLFSO-embedded Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid composite showed maximum remnant polarization and higher dielectric response when measured with respect to the varying electric field and at different frequencies. The prepared samples also exhibited tunable polarization response at an applied static magnetic field, unveiling their magnetoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to enhance the multiferroic properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) by investigating the effects of substitution with erbium (Er) on the material's structural, optical, and magnetic characteristics. Er-substituted bismuth ferrite (Bi1−xErxFeO3) (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via the very cost-effective Pechini modified sol–gel method followed by auto-combustion. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity, structure, and purity of the phase, revealing the formation of single-phase materials. The bond structure of the prepared samples was examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, confirming the significant stretching and bending of bonds of perovskites. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) findings suggested a broadening of the signal as well as a shift of the center of resonance to lower fields. The experimental findings revealed that Er doping has a significant effect on the magnetic ordering and saturation magnetization of BiFeO3. In addition, UV–Vis spectroscopy demonstrated that the energy bandgap in the prepared samples varies from 2.13 eV to 1.71 eV. This research contributes to an understanding of the enhanced structural, magnetic, and optical properties of Er-substituted BFO nanoparticles, which is useful for designing and developing multiferroic materials with enhanced magnetic functionality for next-generation magnetoelectric devices, optoelectronic devices, and photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydroelectric cell has been coined as an accomplished device keeping the ability to produce current just by adsorbing a few microliters of water. These cells are the new source of generating green energy which involves no evolution of toxic gases like NO2, SO2, CO, etc. Our current research focuses on studying how to increase the maximum output current (I) in the pure cobalt ferrites by doping with rare-earth ion, yttrium. The yttrium-doped cobalt ferrites with composition (CoYxFe2−xO4, x = 0.00, 0.10, and 0.20) have been prepared using a modified sol–gel citrate method. X-ray diffractogram (XRD) confirmed the formation of cubic crystal structures with crystallite size less than 30 nm. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) patterns confirmed the presence of elements (Y, Co, Fe, O) in the prepared compositions. The ionic diffusion mechanism confirmed the dissociation of water molecules by the cations present on the surface of the material at room temperature. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis revealed the increase in coercivity values from 948.81 Oe to 2580.09 Oe with the increase in the concentration of yttrium ions in the cobalt ferrite (CFO) lattice. The V–I polarization curves measured the maximum output current and voltage as around 8.6 mA and 1.1 V, respectively, for the 20% yttrium-doped CFO hydroelectric cells (area = 4 cm2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroics with compositions BiFeO3, Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 and BiFe0.90Ho0.10O3 have been successfully prepared by solid-state reaction method. The structural analysis of Ho-substituted BiFeO3 affirms that the compounds are crystallized under rhombohedral perovskite structure with space group $R\overline 3 c$ R 3 ¯ c along with non-perovskite Bi2Fe4O9 phase. Cuboidal-shaped grains are observed in the micrographs of the Ho-substituted BiFeO3 sample with Ho at the Fe site. The changes in electrical and dielectric parameters with Ho substitution at the A-/B-site of BiFeO3 have a strong co-relation to its structural density, phase transformation and presence of Bi2Fe4O9 phase. These parameters are strongly dependent on the frequency, and its high values are obtained at low frequency because of the space charge polarization effect. The smaller values of impedance phase angles of BiFeO3, Bi0.90Ho0.10FeO3 and BiFe0.90Ho0.10O3 compounds compared to the anticipated $90^\circ$ 90 ∘ for an ideal capacitor show that these BFO-based compounds possess non-ideal capacitive/pseudocapacitive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic field is used to explore the mechanism of ferroelectric-dynamic coupling in the photovoltaic effect, where the spin–orbit coupling gives rise to and the expansion of relaxation times for electron–hole pair recombination. Thus, phonons with spin-1 and spin-1/2 electrons can be regulated by the magnetic field, which contributes to ferroelectric photovoltaics. The ballistic photocurrents originate from the asymmetric scattering of spin carriers by multiferroics, where significant photocurrent and magneto-spectrum responses are observed in Bi 6- x Pr x Ti 3 Fe 2 O 18 (x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2) multiferroics. The magnetic field-dependent photoelectric spectra and J - V curves under illumination have validated the prolonged relaxation lifetime and improvement of density of electron–hole pairs. The evolution of multiferroic orders and magnetic field-dependent photovoltaic response spectra correlate to the ratio of phase B 2 cb / F 2 mm. These results reveal the distinct advantages of multiferroics, which are expected to be an ideal platform to improve efficiency and further clarify the ferroelectric photovoltaic mechanism. • The observation of ballistic photocurrents in multiferroics. • The expansion of relaxation lifetime and generation of electron–hole pairs. • The perspective of ferroelectric photovoltaic mechanism from spatial-temporal symmetry broken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional materials possessing intrinsic multiferroic properties have long been sought to harness the magnetoelectric coupling in nanoelectronic devices. Here, we report the achievement of robust type I multiferroic order in single-layer chromium trihalides by decorating transition metal atoms. The out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization exhibits strong atomic selectivity, where 12 of 84 single-layer transition metal-based multiferroic materials possess out-of-plane ferroelectric or antiferroelectric polarization. Group theory reveals that this phenomenon is strongly dependent on p–d coupling and crystal field splitting. Cu decoration enhances the intrinsic ferromagnetism of trihalides and increases the ferromagnetic transition temperature. Moreover, both ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases are obtained, providing opportunities for electrical control of magnetism and energy storage and conversion applications. Furthermore, the transport properties of Cu(CrBr3)2 devices are calculated based on the non-equilibrium Green's function, and the results demonstrate outstanding spin-filtering properties and a low-bias negative differential resistance (NDR) effect for low power consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, from first‐principles calculations, the phase diagram of the low‐spin (LS) state of BiCoO3 is scrutinized. The phonon‐dispersion curves of the cubic phase are analyzed to identify all the possible unstable modes and assessed the energy gain of the resulted distorted phases. In the findings, the presence of similar phases is revealed in both LS and high‐spin (HS) states, including ferroelectric and octahedra rotations distortions. However, the relative energy ordering of these phases differs significantly between the two states. Notably, the energy gain from mode condensation is considerably less pronounced in the LS case compared to HS state. Furthermore, it is identified that the common Pnma phase is the ground state of the LS state of BiCoC3, closely followed by the Imma octahedra rotation phase and the R3c ferroelectric phase, hence, different from the P4mm ferroelectric ground state of the HS state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, from first‐principles calculations, the phase diagram of the low‐spin (LS) state of BiCoO3 is scrutinized. The phonon‐dispersion curves of the cubic phase are analyzed to identify all the possible unstable modes and assessed the energy gain of the resulted distorted phases. In the findings, the presence of similar phases is revealed in both LS and high‐spin (HS) states, including ferroelectric and octahedra rotations distortions. However, the relative energy ordering of these phases differs significantly between the two states. Notably, the energy gain from mode condensation is considerably less pronounced in the LS case compared to HS state. Furthermore, it is identified that the common Pnma phase is the ground state of the LS state of BiCoC3, closely followed by the Imma octahedra rotation phase and the R3c ferroelectric phase, hence, different from the P4mm ferroelectric ground state of the HS state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing demand for functional materials crucial for advancing new technologies has motivated significant scientific and industrial research efforts. High-entropy materials (HEMs), with tunable properties, are gaining attention for their use in high-frequency transformers, microwave devices, multiferroics, and high-density magnetic memory components. The initial exploration of HEMs started with high-entropy alloys (HASs), such as CrMnFeCoNi, CuCoNiCrAlxFe, and AlCoCrTiZn and paved the way for a multitude of HEM variations, including oxides, oxyfluorides, borides, carbides, nitrides, sulfides, and phosphides. In this study, we fabricated the high-entropy oxide (HEO) compound B i 0.5 L a 0.1 I n 0.1 Y 0.1 N d 0.1 G d 0.1 F e O 3 through the solid-state synthesis method. Magnetic measurements at 300 K show ferromagnetic behavior with significant coercivity. At the same time, this novel composition exhibits excellent dielectric properties and shows potential for electronic applications demonstrating that a high-entropy approach can expand the compositional range of rare earth multiferroics and improve the multifunctional properties in multiferroic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic materials are an exceptional class of magnetic materials where long-range magnetic and ferroelectric orders coexist, thus provoking the researchers' interest from both basic and practical points of view. The magnetoelectric multiferroics are materials that combine coupled electric and magnetic dipoles. Recently, research has focused on the occurrence of the magnetoelectric effect in some hexagonal ferrite types and the possibility of their use as single-phase multiferroic and magnetoelectric materials. For many years, various hexaferrites have been intensively studied as materials for permanent magnets, high-density recording media, microwave devices, biomedical applications, etc. The magnetic structure and especially the specific magnetic spin arrangement under certain conditions proved to be key factors for the realization of magneto-electric phases in hexaferrites. Here some recent advances in our studies of the magnetic phase transitions in the Y-type hexaferrites are overviewed. In particular, the influence of the replacement of non-magnetic Me2+ cations with magnetic cations and of magnetic Fe3+ cations with non-magnetic ones on the magnetic properties and occurring magnetic phase transitions in Y-type hexaferrites are exemplified with Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2Fe12O22. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new materials and compositions, in which the phenomena of ferrimagnetism and ferroelectricity are closely coupled, is of great technological interest. In the present study, composite systems of (BaTiO 3) (100- x)% /(CoNb 0 · 02 Fe 1 · 98 O 4) x % where x = 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 100% were produced. Initially, BaTiO 3 (BTO) was made by sol-gel combustion approach and CoFe 1 · 98 Nb 0 · 02 O 4 (CoFeNbO) was made by hydrothermal method. Both compounds were then combined via solid-state reaction route to form the composite systems. According to X-ray diffraction, the pristine BTO and CoNbFeO display tetragonal and cubic structures, respectively, and all composite systems consisted of the cubic phase for BTO and spinel phase for CoNbFeO. Scanning electron microscopy showed a decrease in grain size (from 0.552 μm to 0.194 μm) and porosity (from 18.65% to 4.57%) as the CoNbFeO content increases from x = 0 to x = 20%, respectively. The influence of magnetic CoNbFeO content on the magnetic, ferroelectric, magnetoelectric coefficient, electric, and dielectric properties of composite systems has been investigated. The ferromagnetic and ferroelectric natures of diverse composite systems are reflected via the registered M-H and P-E loops at ambient temperature. A steady increase in magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization and remanent magnetization is observed as the spinel ferrite CoNbFeO content increases. Similarly, the values of the electric coercivity increased from 1.65 kV/cm for x = 0% to 3.99 kV/cm for x = 20%. The frequency-dependent dielectric and electrical measurements were also investigated at various temperatures. By raising the measurement temperature, the dielectric polarization was found to increase for composite systems with x > 2%. Interestingly, the tangent loss was reduced for different composite systems in comparison to pristine BTO and CoNbFeO materials. The lowest tangent loss values were noticed for x = 5% composite system. All composite systems revealed good magnetoelectric coupling with coupling coefficient magnitudes up to a maximum value of ∼22.5 mV/cm.Oe, indicating that they can be potential candidates for use in advanced multifunctional electric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is a growing interest in BiFeO3-based alloys because of the possibility it offers for developing high-temperature high-performance piezoelectric materials and for their interesting multiferroic properties. Often such ceramics are synthesized with additives either to reduce/suppress leakage current that the system inherits from the parent compound BiFeO3 or to promote sintering via formation of the liquid phase. We demonstrate here the propensity for stabilizing ferromagnetism in the ferroelectric solid solution BiFeO3–PbTiO3 (BF–PT) when synthesized with additive MnO2. Detailed investigation revealed that the ferromagnetic property of the ceramic is extrinsic and caused by the additive enabled precipitation of trace amount of the ferrimagnetic Pb-hexaferrite phase, not easily detected in conventional x-ray diffraction measurements. We also show that the ferromagnetic property is induced in Co-modified BF–PT. However, in this case, the additive stabilizes the CoFe2O4 spinel ferrite phase. While our findings offer a strategy to develop particulate magnetoelectric multiferroic composites using additive assisted precipitation of the ferrimagnetic phase(s) in BiFeO3-based ferroelectric alloys, it also helps in better understanding of the electromechanical response in BFO-based alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic materials are characterized by their magnetoelectric coupling coefficient, which can be obtained using a lock-in amplifier by measuring the voltage developed across a multiferroic capacitor in a time-variable magnetic field, Hac cos(ωt), where Hac and ω are the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field. The measurement method, despite its simplicity, is subject to various parasitic effects, such as magnetic induction, which leads to significant over-estimation of the actual magnetoelectric response. This article outlines the measurement theory for a multiferroic capacitor using the lock-in technique. It is demonstrated that the inductive contribution has linear proportionality with Hac, ω, and Hacω. It is shown that the true magnetoelectric coupling response is retrieved from the real component of the lock-in signal. Using a polymer-nanoparticle multiferroic composite, the internal consistency of the proposed measurement method is experimentally demonstrated, and it is shown that the actual multiferroic signal can be retrieved using the lock-in technique by removing the magnetic induction contribution from the signal. It is observed that the magnetoelectric voltage shows only a linear dependence with Hac, a saturating behavior with ω, and Hacω. Furthermore, a measurement protocol for reliable reporting of magnetoelectric coupling coefficient has been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic materials have important research significance in the fields of magnetic random-access memory, ferroelectric random-access memory, resistive random-access memory, and neuromorphic computing devices due to their excellent and diverse physical properties. In this work, a solution of Bi2FeMnO6 was prepared using a solution-based method, and an Au/Bi2FeMnO6/TiO2 heterostructure device was fabricated on a Si substrate. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy data indicate that the Bi2FeMnO6 films have hexagonal R3c symmetry structures. The Bi2FeMnO6 film exhibits ferroelectricity with a fine remanent polarization. In addition, the Bi2FeMnO6-based devices have excellent switching ratios of 6.37 × 105. A larger switching ratio can provide a multi-resistance state for the device, which is beneficial for the simulation of synapses. Hence, it effectively emulates excitatory postsynaptic currents, paired-pulse facilitation, and long-term plasticity of synapses and achieves recognition accuracy of 95% in neuromorphic computing. We report a promising material for the development of various nonvolatile memories and neuromorphic synaptic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach for the fabrication of magnetoelectric composites aimed at enhancing cross-coupling between electrical and magnetic phases for potential applications in intelligent sensors and electronic components. Unlike previous methodologies known for their complexity and expense, our method offers a simple and cost-effective assembly process conducted at room temperature, preserving the original properties of the components and avoiding undesired phases. The composites, composed of PZT fibers, cobalt (CoFe2O4), and a polymeric resin, demonstrate the uniform distribution of PZT-5A fibers within the cobalt matrix, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. Detailed morphological analyses reveal the interface characteristics crucial for determining overall performance. Dielectric measurements indicate stable behaviors, particularly when PZT-5A fibers are properly poled, showcasing potential applications in sensors or medical devices. Furthermore, H-dependence studies illustrate strong magnetoelectric interactions, suggesting promising avenues for enhancing coupling efficiency. Overall, this study lays the basic work for future optimization of composite composition and exploration of its long-term stability, offering valuable insights into the potential applications of magnetoelectric composites in various technological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled modulation of electronic and magnetic properties in stimuli‐responsive materials provides valuable insights for the design of magnetoelectric or multiferroic devices. This paper demonstrates the modulation of electrical and magnetic properties of a semiconductive, paramagnetic metal−organic framework (MOF) Cu3(C6O6)2 with small gaseous molecules, NH3, H2S, and NO. This study merges chemiresistive and magnetic tests to reveal that the MOF undergoes simultaneous changes in electrical conductance and magnetization that are uniquely modulated by each gas. The features of response, including direction, magnitude, and kinetics, are modulated by the physicochemical properties of the gaseous molecules. This study advances the design of multifunctional materials capable of undergoing simultaneous changes in electrical and magnetic properties in response to chemical stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiferroic magnetoelectric 2–2 laminated composite systems with BaTiO3 and NiFe2O4 as the ferroelectric and ferrimagnetic phases were successfully fabricated by co-firing technique. For this phase, pure BaTiO3 and NiFe2O4 were successfully synthesized by sol–gel and polyol method, respectively. The structural, microstructural, multiferroic and magnetoelectric coupling properties of phase pure and co-fired systems were investigated using X-ray diffraction, HR-TEM, SEM–EDX, P–E Loop, VSM and magnetoelectric coupling analysis. The multiferroic and magnetoelectric coupling properties of the laminated systems were compared with the mixed system having similar weight percentage of BaTiO3 and NiFe2O4. The fabricated composite systems show good multiferroic and magnetoelectric properties. Compared to mixed composite systems, the laminated structure has an enhanced magnetoelectric (ME) coupling of 6.42 mV/cm.Oe. This variation in ME coupling is attributed to the low leakage current effects in the laminated systems. The ME coupling in the laminates varies with the nature and number of layers. For laminated composite systems, the ME coupling coefficient is found to increase from 6.42 mV/cm.Oe to 10.48 mV/cm.Oe with increase in the number of layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of novel two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic materials is attractive due to their potential for the realization of information storage and logic devices. Although many approaches have been explored to simultaneously introduce ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) orders into a 2D material, the resulting systems are often plagued by weak magnetoelectric (ME) coupling or limited room-temperature stability. Here, we present a superlattice strategy to construct non-centrosymmetric AM2X4 multiferroic monolayers, i.e., intercalating transition metal ions (A) into the tetragonal-like vacancies of transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers (MX2). Starting from 960 intercalated AM2X4 compounds, our high-throughput calculations have identified 21 multiferroics with robust magnetic order, large FE polarization, low transition barrier, high FE/FM transition temperature, and strong ME coupling. According to the origin of magnetism, we have classified them into twelve type-a, seven type-b, and two type-c multiferroics, which exhibit different ME coupling behavior. During the switching of polarization, the reversal of skyrmions chirality, the transition of the magnetic ground state from FM to antiferromagnetic, and the changes in spin-polarized electron distribution were observed in type-a, type-b, and type-c 2D multiferroic materials, respectively. These results substantially expand the family of 2D ferroic materials and pave an avenue for designing and implementing nonvolatile logic and memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct conversion from terahertz photon to charge current is a key phenomenon for terahertz photonics. Quantum geometrical description of optical processes in crystalline solids predicts existence of field-unbiased dc photocurrent arising from terahertz-light generation of magnetic excitations in multiferroics, potentially leading to fast and energy-efficient terahertz devices. Here, we demonstrate the dc charge current generation from terahertz magnetic excitations in multiferroic perovskite manganites with spin-driven ferroelectricity, while keeping an insulating state with no free carrier. It is also revealed that electromagnon, which ranges sub-terahertz to 2 THz, as well as antiferromagnetic resonance shows the giant conversion efficiency. Polar asymmetry induced by the cycloidal spin order gives rise to this terahertz-photon-induced dc photocurrent, and no external magnetic and electric bias field are required for this conversion process. The observed phenomena are beyond the conventional photovoltaics in semi-classical regime and demonstrate the essential role of quantum geometrical aspect in low-energy optical processes. Our finding establishes a paradigm of terahertz photovoltaic phenomena, paving a way for terahertz photonic devices and energy harvesting. Authors discover that the spin excitations of multiferroics convert the terahertz photon to the unidirectional charge current through the quantum geometrical aspect of optical process, paving the way to the terahertz photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetoelectric composite materials, which exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties simultaneously, have attracted considerable interest for their potential in various applications such as microelectronics, memory devices, and spintronics. In this study, we investigated the synthesis, structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties of multiferroic CoFe2O4/0.65BiFeO3-0.35PbTiO3 (CFO/65BF-35PT) composite thin films. These films were prepared using a high ferroelectric, morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition, 65BF-35PT, combined with a high magnetostrictive compound, CFO. Multilayered CFO/65BF-35PT composite films were spin-coated onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrates using the sol-gel method, with variation in the solution molarity to achieve different layer thicknesses. Structural analysis revealed a perovskite phase for 65BF-35PT and a spinal structure for CFO, with the presence of rhombohedral and tetragonal polymorphs confirming MPB composition. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrated uniform growth of 1 μm thick composite films. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops exhibited considerable leakage current at room temperature, increasing with higher CFO content, while current versus voltage plots revealed ohmic conduction at low applied fields and space charge limited current (SCLC) conduction at high fields in all composite films. The crossover field between ohmic and SCLC conduction decreased with increasing CFO content. Moreover, room-temperature magnetic hysteresis loops showed a decrease in saturation and coercive field with increasing CFO concentration, and the temperature-dependent magnetization response indicated a monotonic decrease, with magnetization vanishing around 800 K, confirming the magnetic order of CFO. Our findings demonstrate that stable ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases can be achieved at low temperatures by depositing composite films containing CFO/MPB on a low-cost FTO substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiFeO 3 is a promising multiferroic material for versatile device applications due to its co-existence of magnetic (i.e., antiferromagnetic) and ferroelectric ordering at room temperature. While its functional properties have been extensively investigated, the exploration of its mechanical behavior was limited mostly to the thin-film form of BiFeO 3. In this work, we conducted in situ micropillar compression experiments to investigate the deformation behavior of La-doped BiFeO 3 (La-BFO) samples processed by both conventional and flash sintering methods. The conventionally sintered La-BFO exhibited limited deformability at room temperature and 450 °C. In contrast, the deformability of the flash-sintered La-BFO specimens was substantially improved by nearly 100% at both testing temperatures. Detailed post-mortem studies suggest that preexisting dislocations and wide anti-phase boundaries introduced during flash sintering can toughen flash-sintered La-BFO by easing dislocation migration and ferroelastic domain switching. This study provides a fresh perspective to design an advanced multifunctional system with improved mechanical properties. • Flash sintering introduced high population of pre-existing dislocations and anti-phase boundaries into La-BFO. • The flash sintered La-BFO deformed at room temperature exhibited an over 100% deformability enhancement. • At 450 °C, the flash-sintered La-BFO outperformed the conventionally sintered counterpart by showing plastic deformability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a strategy for realizing the nonvolatile electrical control of noncollinear magnetism based on first-principles calculations. We confirm that the VAl2S4 monolayer, a rare two-dimensional type-II multiferroic material, shows an in-plane noncollinear 120°-ordered antiferromagnetic ground state and spin spiral order induced out-of-plane ferroelectricity. In VAl2S4 bilayers, we clarify the spin spiral chirality–sliding ferroelectricity locking effect, which enables flexible electrical switching of noncollinear magnetism and corresponding spin spiral chirality through interlayer sliding. Our work provides another perspective for the development of magnetoelectric physics and information storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of multiferroic materials, which possess both ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) properties, drive advancements in magnetoelectric applications and the next generation of spintronics. Based on first-principles calculations, we investigate an engineered two-dimensional multiferroic van der Waals heterostructures consisting of FM VSiSnN4 monolayer (ML) and fully hydrogenated FE AlN bilayer. We find that the magnetic anisotropy of VSiSnN4 ML is tunable between out-of-plane and in-plane, and a phase transition between semiconductor and metal is induced in VSiSnN4/AlN bilayer when the FE polarization direction of AlN bilayer is reversed. Surprisingly, when the FE polarization of AlN bilayer is upward, the Curie temperature of VSiSnN4/AlN bilayer can be significantly increased from 204 to 284 K. Such nonvolatile and tunable magnetic anisotropy, Curie temperature, and band alignment in VSiSnN4/AlN multiferroic heterostructure are highly promising for future low-current operation of data storage and logic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐molecule toroics (SMTs), defined as a type of molecules with toroidal arrangement of magnetic moment associated with bi‐stable non‐magnetic ground states, are promising candidates for high‐density information storage and the development of molecule based multiferroic materials with linear magneto–electric coupling and multiferroic behavior. The design and synthesis of SMTs by arranging the magnetic anisotropy axis in a circular pattern at the molecular level have been of great interest to scientists for last two decades since the first detection of the SMT behavior in the seminal Dy3 molecules. DyIII ion has long been the ideal candidate for constructing SMTs due to its Kramer ion nature as well as high anisotropy. Nevertheless, other LnIII ions such as TbIII and HoIII ions, as well as some paramagnetic transition metal ions, have also been used to construct many nontraditional SMTs. Therefore, we review the progress in the studies of SMTs based on the nontraditional perspective, ranging from the 3D topological to 1D&2D&3D polymeric SMTs, and 3d–4f to non Dy‐based SMTs. We hope the understanding we provide about nontraditional SMTs will be helpful in designing novel SMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, h -RFeO 3 multiferroic high-entropy ceramics are designed by introducing high-entropy concept with four elements (Yb, Lu, In, Sc) for R site. (Yb 0.25 Lu 0.25 In 0.25 Sc 0.25)FeO 3 high-entropy ceramics are prepared by the standard solid-state reaction methods. The samples prepared with precursors were identified to crystalize in the pure hexagonal structure with polar space group (P 6 3 cm) at room temperature. By the analysis of the variable XRD patterns, it is speculated that the ferroelectric transition temperature of the sample is above 773 K. Meanwhile, three magnetic anomalies are determined for high-entropy ceramics, which is the antiferromagnetic transition at Néel temperature T Ñ 280 K, the spin-reorientation temperature T SR ∼145 K and the reasonable ferromagnetic-like clusters without long ordering in T N < T < T A (∼397 K). Besides, it is observed that the peak intensity of the pyroelectric current around T N can be tuned by magnetic field, which is indicated the magnetoelectric coupling effect in (Yb 0.25 Lu 0.25 In 0.25 Sc 0.25)FeO 3 high-entropy ceramics. These results indicate the ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orders are coexist in the h- RFeO 3 high-entropy ceramics as promising near room temperature multiferroic materials, and it is an effective way to obtain a new type single-phase multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]