Ferroelectric Properties and Raman Scattering Spectra of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 Ceramics

Multiferroic ceramic samples of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) have been prepared by the rapid liquid phase sintering technique. The effect of Gd substitution on ferroelectrie properties of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 ceramics has been investigated. The results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that the single-phase BiFeO3 sample has a rhombohedral structure and Gd3+ substitution for Bi3+ has not affected the perovskite structure. Experimental results suggest that Gd3+ substitution for Bi3+ has markedly affected the Raman scattering spectra, and the ferroelectric properties of BiFeO3 are improved by Gd3+ doping. When x = 0.15, saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loop is observed at room temperature with the maximal 2Pr = 1.62 mu C/cm(2).