Morphotropic phase boundary in Sm-substituted BiFeO3 ceramics: Local vs microscopic approaches

Samarium substituted bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) ceramics prepared by sol-gel synthesis method were studied using both local scale and microscopic measurement techniques in order to clarify an evolution of the crystal structure compounds across morphotropic phase boundary region. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission scanning electron microscopies, XPS, EDS/EDX experiments piezoresponse force microscopy used study structural transitions from polar active rhombohedral anti-polar orthorhombic then non-polar phase, observed Bi1?xSmxFeO3 within concentration range 0.08 ? x 0.2. The results obtained testify that 0.12 0.15 are characterized two state formed a coexistence phases; with 0.15<x<0.18 is associated phases. Local measurements have revealed notable difference ascribed estimated measurements, wider different phases, background mentioned discussed.