Improvement of spin-charge related magnetoelectric coupling and transport response of rare-earth based eco-friendly multiferroic nanocomposites

Eco-friendly, magnetoelectric LaFeO₃–HoMnO₃ nanocomposites are synthesized with different weight percentage, and highlighted their observed magnetoelectric coupling, electrical transport and dielectric properties. X-ray diffraction pattern and field emission scanning electron microscope images approve the formation of LaFeO₃ and HoMnO₃ phases without the presence of any extra phase. These composites reveal the strain mediated magnetoelectric effect with longitudinal (α_E33) and transverse (α_E31) configurations at lower frequency region under an external magnetic field. Maximum values of α_E31 and α_E33 are found to ~ 0.54 and ~ 0.31 mV/cm-Oe, respectively for 0.3LaFeO₃–0.7HoMnO₃ nanocomposites. The electronic transport has been examined by impedance spectroscopy technique for understanding the grain boundary and grain effects in resistive and capacitive behavior of the materials considering an idealized simulated circuit. Temperature dependent Nyquist plots show the non-Debye type phenomena as well as semiconductor in nature (i.e., negative temperature coefficient of resistance) of the materials. Electrical susceptibility reveals the domain motion of the system, which is corresponding to the electrostriction property. The electrical conductivity with frequency follows the Joncher's single power law and it is controlled through large and small polaron tunneling model. The synthesized nanocomposites are a capable candidate to offer some helpful ideas for developing the lead free device applications.