Influence of Sb3+ Cations on the Structural, Magnetic and Electrical Properties of AlFeO3 Multiferroic Perovskite with Humidity Sensors Applicative Characteristics

Abstract

The effects of Sb3+ cations substitution on the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of Al1−xSbxFeO3 multiferroic perovskite are investigated. The partial or total substitution of Al3+ cations with Sb3+ cations, in stoichiometric composition Al1−xSbxFeO3 (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00) were made in order to identify composite materials with sensors applicative properties. Multiferroic perovskite samples were prepared following technology of the ceramic solid-state method, and the thermal treatments were performed in air atmosphere at 1100 °C temperature. The X-ray diffraction studies have confirmed the phase composition of samples and scanning electron microscopy the shape of the crystallites has been evidenced. The perovskite material was subjected to representative magnetic investigations in order to highlight substitutions characteristics. Investigations on electrical properties have evidenced the substitution dependence of relative permittivity and electrical resistivity under humidity influence and the characteristics of humidity sensors based on this material. The results are discussed in term of microstructural changes induced by the substitutions degree and its sensor applicative effects.