Foschini, C. R. [UNESP]Ramirez, M. A. [UNESP]Simões, S. R. [UNESP]Varela, José Arana [UNESP]Longo, Elson [UNESP]Simões, A. Z. [UNESP]2014-05-272014-05-272013-04-01Ceramics International, v. 39, n. 3, p. 2185-2195, 2013.0272-8842http://hdl.handle.net/11449/74916The multiferroic behavior with ion modification using rare-earth cations on crystal structures, along with the insulating properties of BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films was investigated using piezoresponse force microscopy. Rare-earth-substituted BFO films with chemical compositions of (Bi 1.00-xRExFe1.00O3 (x=0; 0.15), RE=La and Nd were fabricated on Pt (111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using a chemical solution deposition technique. A crystalline phase of tetragonal BFO was obtained by heat treatment in ambient atmosphere at 500 °C for 2 h. Ion modification using La3+ and Nd3+ cations lowered the leakage current density of the BFO films at room temperature from approximately 10-6 down to 10-8 A/cm2. The observed improved magnetism of the Nd3+ substituted BFO thin films can be related to the plate-like morphology in a nanometer scale. We observed that various types of domain behavior such as 71° and 180° domain switching, and pinned domain formation occurred. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient in the longitudinal direction was close to 12 V/cm Oe. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.2185-2195engA. FilmsB. InterfacesC. Dielectric propertiesC. Ferroelectric propertiesAmbient atmosphereBFO filmsChemical compositionsChemical solution deposition techniquesCrystalline phaseDomain behaviorDomain formationDomain switchingsFerroelectric propertyInsulating propertiesLongitudinal directionMagnetoelectric coefficientsMultiferroic behaviorNano-meter scalePiezoresponse force microscopyPlate-like morphologyPt(111)Rare earth cationsRare earth dopedRoom temperatureSoft chemical methodBismuthBismuth compoundsDielectric propertiesFerroelectric filmsInterfaces (materials)NeodymiumPlatinumPositive ionsThin filmsLanthanumResenha10.1016/j.ceramint.2012.08.083WOS:000316032900001Acesso restrito2-s2.0-8487294048619223571848427670000-0003-1300-4978