Magnetic Properties of Gd-Doped Bi7Fe3Ti3O21 Aurivillius-Type Ceramics

Abstract

The magnetic properties of Aurivillius-phase Bi7Fe3Ti3O21 (BFT) and Bi7−xGdxFe3Ti3O21, where x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 (BGFT), were investigated. Ceramic material undoped (BGF) and doped with Gd3+ ions were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction. In order to confirm that the obtained materials belong to Aurivillius structures, XRD tests were performed. The XRD results confirmed that both the undoped and the gadolinium-doped materials belong to the Aurivillius phases. The qualitative chemical composition of the obtained materials was confirmed based on EDS tests. The temperature dependences of magnetization and magnetic susceptibility were examined for the ceramic material both undoped and doped with Gd3+ ions. The measurements were taken in the temperature range from T = 10 K to T = 300 K. Using Curie’s law, the value of the Curie constant was determined, and on its basis, the number of iron ions that take part in magnetic processes was calculated. The value of Curie constant C = 0.266 K, while the concentration of iron ions Fe3+, which influence the magnetic properties of the material, is equal 3.7 mol% (for BFT). Hysteresis loop measurements were also performed at temperatures of T = 10 K, T = 77 K, and T = 300 K. The dependence of magnetization on the magnetic field was described by the Brillouin function, and on its basis, the concentration of Fe3+ ions, which are involved in magnetic properties, was also calculated (3.4 mol% for BFT). Tests showed that the material is characterized by magnetic properties at low temperatures. At room temperature (RT), it has paramagnetic properties. It was also found that Gd3+ ions improve the magnetic properties of tested material.