The dielectric, impedance and optical properties of ceramic (1-x)LaFeO3-xBaFeO3 composites
摘要
Perovskite composite ceramics integrating distinct dielectric and optical functionalities play a crucial role in advancing multifunctional electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this study, we demonstrate that dual-phase (1-x)LaFeO3-xBaFeO3 composites synergistically exhibit colossal permittivity, tunable electrical conductivity, and adjustable bandgaps through interfacial engineering and defect modulation. Rietveld-refined X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the coexistence of phase-separated orthorhombic LaFeO3 and hexagonal BaFeO3 structures, while scanning electron microscopy reveals that the incorporation of BaFeO3 promotes grain coarsening, with average grain size increasing from 2.32 to 4.72 μm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis verifies the presence of mixed Fe2+/Fe3+/Fe4+ oxidation states and oxygen vacancies, which contribute to the observed colossal permittivity (ε′ ≈ 9.77 × 104 at 1 kHz for x = 0.4) via mechanisms of Maxwell–Wagner polarization and small-polaron hopping. The lowest dielectric loss (tanδ ≈ 0.23 at 1 kHz for x = 0.3) is achieved due to refined grain boundaries that suppress carrier scattering. Impedance spectroscopy quantifies the respective contributions of grains and grain boundaries, identifying resistive interfaces as critical for interfacial polarization. Concurrently, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy demonstrates composition-dependent bandgaps (ranging from 2.17 to 2.46 eV) and reduced Urbach energy (from 370 to 322 meV), indicating improved crystallinity and effective defect control. This work establishes (1-x)LaFeO3-xBaFeO3 composites as a promising platform for low-loss capacitive energy storage and visible-light-driven photonic applications, underpinned by structure–property relationships mediated by defects.