PZT-like structural phase transitions in the BiFeO3–KNbO3 solid solution

Abstract

Despite the high prominence of the perovskites BiFeO₃ and KNbO₃ the solid solution between the two has received little attention. We report a detailed neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy study which demonstrates an R3c → P4mm → Amm2 series of structural phase transitions similar to that exhibited by the PbZrO₃–PbTiO₃ solid solution.