Derived SmFeO3 nanoparticles exhibiting optical, magnetic, and ferroelectric coupling for multifunctional applications

Samarium orthoferrite (SmFeO₃) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a sol–gel method and extensively characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, magnetic, and multifunctional properties. X-ray diffraction analysis, supported by Rietveld refinement, confirmed the formation of a single-phase orthorhombic perovskite structure with Pbnm symmetry, and high crystallinity. Raman spectroscopy revealed characteristic vibrational modes associated with FeO₆ octahedral tilting and Sm–O lattice dynamics, validating structural integrity at the nanoscale. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed uniformly distributed, spherical nanoparticles with an average size of ~ 270 nm. UV–Vis absorption studies indicated a direct optical band gap of ~ 2.01 eV, making the material suitable for visible-light-responsive applications. Magnetic measurements displayed weak ferromagnetic behavior due to spin canting induced by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions, while ferroelectric P-E hysteresis loops exhibited slim, unsaturated profiles indicative of leaky polarization driven by lattice distortion and oxygen vacancies. Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the Fe³⁺ valence state and magnetic ordering without impurity phases. Photoluminescence studies showed intense emissions around 565 nm and 600 nm corresponding to 4f–4f transitions of Sm³⁺, enhanced by oxygen vacancies and nanoscale effects. The convergence of optical, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties demonstrates the multifunctional nature of SmFeO₃nanoparticles, highlighting their potential for applications in spintronics, optoelectronics, magnetoelectric devices, and photocatalysis.