Structure, electrical and magnetic properties of Co0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4/(K0.47Na0.47Li0.6) NbO3 bilayered thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract

Structural, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of lead-free bilayer composite films with composition (K, Na, Li) NbO3-CoZnFe2O4 (P-S) and CoZnFe2O4-(K, Na, Li) NbO3 (S-P) layers deposited on Pt/Si substrates by a pulsed laser deposition technique have been studied. Structural analysis carried out by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering confirmed the formation of individual phases of perovskite and spinel without any intermediate/secondary phase. To probe the stoichiometric elemental composition and cationic distribution at the interstitial sites, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement was carried out, which confirmed the mixed state of Fe-ions valence, while the Zn2+ state was retained. Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behavior of the bilayered films was observed concurrently depending upon the growth sequence adopted. Magnetic properties of the film with spinel on the top layer exhibited higher saturation magnetization. Dielectric permittivity follows the Maxwell-Wagner polarization caused by thermally agitated carriers. Appreciable ferroelectric properties were achieved in S-P films while the P-S film exhibited a lossy ferroelectric hysteresis loop, which is attributed to a high leakage current value.