Magnetic and ferroelectric properties of sol–gel synthesized rhombohedral phase AlFeO3 nanoparticles.

the preparation of a rhombohedral phase (space group R3c) AlFeO3 nanoparticles (NPs) and its magnetic and ferroelectric properties. The high purity rhombohedral phase AFO NPs of an average size 50 nm were prepared by sol – gel route followed by annealing at 700 oC. The NPs show antiferromagnetic nature at room temperature and near room temperature, weak ferroelectric properties. The coexistence of magnetic and ferroelectric features indicate that AFO NPs can be used as a prospective lead free multiferroic material for the spintronics applications.