Multifunctional behavior of ZnO supported Bi1-xDyxFeO3 nanorods.

We have shown that it is possible to realize multifunctional Bi1-xDyxFeO3 (BDFO) nanorods by coating BDFO film on ZnO nanorods. These BDFO coated ZnO (BDFO/ZnO) nanorods are obtained by depositing BDFO on vertical ZnO nanorods grown on Si substrate by using pulsed laser deposition technique. The BDFO/ZnO rods exhibit coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties with significant coupling between two order parameters at room temperature. Moreover, the piezoresponse of these nanorods is found to be even superior to pure ZnO nanorods. The unique multifunctional behavior of these nanorods at room temperature could find different applications in nanodevices like sensors, power generators, etc. with ease and flexibility in operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]