Structural, microstructural, ferroelectric, and magnetoelectrical evaluation of (1-x)(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3-xNi0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 composites

Abstract

This study investigates the structural, microstructural, and functional properties of (1 − x)(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3–xNi0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 1) ceramic samples synthesized via the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the coexistence of perovskite (BCZT) and spinel (NZF) phases, while diffusion of elements was observed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This diffusion led to an increase in the Curie temperature of the perovskite phase with the addition of ferrite. Dielectric relaxation shifted to lower temperatures with increasing NZF content, whereas the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (αME) increased, reaching up to 1.24 mV/cm·Oe for 0.6BCZT–0.4NZF under a 32 Oe AC field. This work highlights the role of phase interactions in tuning multifunctional properties, positioning these composites as promising candidates for magnetoelectric sensors and energy conversion devices.