Rietveld analysis, magnetic, vibrational and impedance properties of (Bi_1−xPr_x)(Fe_1−xZr_x)O₃ ceramics

(Bi_1−xPr_x)(Fe_1−xZr_x)O₃ ceramics with x = 0.03, 0.06 and 0.10 were prepared via solid state reaction route. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra of the ceramics were recorded for calculating its lattice parameters and structural analysis. Magnetic studies indicated a significant enhancement in magnetization of (Bi_1−xPr_x)(Fe_1−xZr_x)O₃ ceramics with maximum remnant magnetization of 0.12 emu g⁻¹ for x = 0.06 sample. Fourier transform infrared spectra and Rietveld analysis confirmed the change in bond length arising due to Pr and Zr codoping. Dielectric measurements showed dielectric anomaly around Neel temperature, indicating magnetoelectric coupling in the samples as well as the dielectric relaxation for higher doping. The effect of Pr and Zr codoping on the impedance and modulus behavior of BiFeO₃ lattice is discussed. The frequency dependence of electric modulus and impedance of the material show the presence of non-Debye relaxation in the samples. All samples showed energy band gap in the range 2.16–2.0 eV, indicating possibility of optical activity in visible range and making it suitable for photocatalytic applications.