Enhanced multiferroic properties of lead-free (1-x)GaFeO₃-(x)Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ composites

Multiferroic composites of (1-x)GaFeO₃-(x)Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 1 were prepared using a conventional solid state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that the composites consisted of cubic spinel Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ and orthorhombic GaFeO₃ phases. The coexistence of both magnetic and ferroelectric orderings at ambient temperature was confirmed by measuring M-H and P-E loops. The inclusion of Co_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ enhanced magnetization and dielectric constant, as well as improved the ferroelectric properties of GaFeO₃. The leakage current (9.33 × 10^-8A/cm²) of composite (x = 0.20) is found to be much lower as compared to pure GaFeO₃. The value of saturation magnetization increased to 30.6 emu/g at 300 K. This large enhancement of magnetization, as well as the presence of ferroelectricity, is promising for enabling future magnetoelectric applications.