Structure and composition of bismuth ferrite films grown by spray pyrolysis of iron and bismuth methacrylate solutions

Bismuth ferrite films on single-crystal lanthanum aluminate substrates have been grown for the first time through spray pyrolysis of iron and bismuth methacrylate solutions. The film growth process comprises two steps: liquid-phase and crystalline (including pyrolysis). In the liquid-phase step, we analyzed the elemental composition and surface morphology of the coatings as functions of substrate temperature. In the pyrolytic and high-temperature steps, we analyzed the elemental composition and crystal structure of the films as functions of substrate and annealing temperatures. Conditions were established for the growth of partially oriented films.