Phase Transitions and Electrical Properties of (Na1−xKx)(Nb1−ySby)O3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics With a MnO2 Sintering Aid

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (Na_{1− x} K _x )(Nb_{1− y} Sb _y )O₃+ z mol% MnO₂ have been prepared by a conventional solid-state sintering technique. Our results reveal that Sb⁵⁺ diffuses into the K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ lattices to form a solid solution with a single-phase orthorhombic perovskite structure. The partial substitution of Sb⁵⁺ for B-site ion Nb⁵⁺ decreases the paraelectric cubic-ferroelectric tetragonal phase transition ( T _c) and the ferroelectric tetragonal-ferroelectric orthorhombic phase transition ( T _O–F), and retains strong ferroelectricity. A small amount of MnO₂ is enough to improve the densification of the ceramics. The co-effects of MnO₂ doping and Sb substitution lead to significant improvements in ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. The ceramics with x =0.45–0.525, y =0.06–0.08, and z =0.5–1 exhibit excellent ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties: d ₃₃=163–204 pC/N, k _P=0.47–0.51, k _t=0.46–0.52, ɛ=640–1053, tan δ=1.3–3.0%, P _r=18.1–22.6 μC/cm², E _c=0.72–0.98 kV/mm, and T _C=269°–314°C.     

Enhanced Ferroelectric Properties of Potassium Sodium Niobate Ceramics Modified by Small Amount of K3Li2Nb5O15

(1− x )K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃– x K₃Li₂Nb₅O₁₅ (KNN–100 x KLN) ceramics were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The results showed that small amount of KLN ( x ≤0.02) incorporated into the lattice and formed a single phase perovskite structure. The KLN modification lowered the phase transition temperature of orthorhombic–tetragonal ( T _O−T) and increased the Curie temperature ( T _c), but the transition temperatures remained almost unchanged in the range of x from 0.02 to 0.03. Small amount of KLN decreased the amount of defects, thus the remnant polarization increased and the coercive field decreased markedly, and the piezoelectric properties of KNN ceramics modified by small amount of KLN also enhanced markedly.     

Microstructure, Piezoelectric, and Ferroelectric Properties of Bi2O3-Added (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Lead-Free Ceramics

Lead-free piezoelectric (K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃– x wt% Bi₂O₃ ceramics have been synthesized by an ordinary sintering technique. The addition of Bi₂O₃ increases the melting point of the system and improves the sintering temperature of (K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃ ceramics. All samples show a pure perovskite phase with a typical orthorhombic symmetry when the Bi₂O₃ content <0.7 wt%. The phase transition temperature of orthorhombic–tetragonal ( T _{O − T} ) and tetragonal–cubic ( T _C) slightly decreased when a small amount of Bi₂O₃ was added. The remnant polarization P _r increased and the coercive field E _c decreased with increasing addition of Bi₂O₃. The piezoelectric properties of (K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃ ceramics increased when a small amount of Bi₂O₃ was added. The optimum piezoelectric properties are d ₃₃=140 pC/N, k _p=0.46, Q _m=167, and T _C=410°C for (K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃–0.5 wt% Bi₂O₃ ceramics.     

Microwave Dielectric Properties of CaTiO3-CaAl1/2Nb1/2O3 Ceramics Doped with Li3NbO4

The microwave dielectric properties of CaTi_{1− x} (Al_1/2Nb_1/2) _x O₃ solid solutions (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) have been investigated. The sintered samples had perovskite structures similar to CaTiO₃. The substitution of Ti⁴⁺ by Al³⁺/Nb⁵⁺ improved the quality factor Q of the sintered specimens. A small addition of Li₃NbO₄ (about 1 wt%) was found to be very effective for lowering sintering temperature of ceramics from 1450–1500° to 1300°C. The composition with x = 0.5 sintered at 1300°C for 5 h revealed excellent dielectric properties, namely, a dielectric constant (ɛ_r) of 48, a Q × f value of 32 100 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τ_f) of −2 ppm/K. Li₃NbO₄ as a sintering additive had no harmful influence on τ_f of ceramics.     

Phase Structure and Electrical Properties of (K0.48Na0.52)(Nb0.95Ta0.05)O3-LiSbO3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics

(1− x )(K_0.48Na_0.52)(Nb_0.95Ta_0.05)O₃– x LiSbO₃ [(1− x )KNNT− x LS] lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method. A morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between orthorhombic and tetragonal phases was identified in the composition range of 0.03< x <0.05. The ceramics near the MPB exhibit a strong compositional dependence and enhanced electrical properties. The (1− x )KNNT– x LS ( x =0.04) ceramics exhibit good electrical properties ( d ₃₃=250 pC/N, k _p=45.1%, k _t =46.3%, T _c=348°C, T _{o − t} =74°C, P _r=25.9 μC/cm², E _c=10.7 kV/cm, ɛ_r∼1352, tan δ∼3%). These results show that (1− x )KNNT– x LS ceramic is a promising lead-free piezoelectric material.     

Double Hysteresis Loop and Aging Effect in K0.5Na0.5NbO3–K5.4Cu1.3Ta10O9 Lead-Free Ceramics

In this work, the double-loop-like characteristics of K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃+ x mol% K_5.4Cu_1.3Ta₁₀O₉ ceramic and its relationships with the transition temperature, aging, and switching have been investigated. Our results reveal that the phase transition temperature is an important parameter determining the aging requirement for the ceramics to exhibit the double-loop-like characteristics. For a ceramic with a high transition temperature, e.g. the ceramic with x =0.75 (tetragonal–orthorhombic phase temperature ∼206°C), the vacancies can migrate during the crystal transformation and settle in a distribution with the same symmetry as the crystal after the transformation. As a result, defect dipoles along the polarization direction are formed and provide restoring forces to reverse the switched polarizations, and thus producing a double polarization hysteresis ( P – E ) loop. On the other hand, aging is required for a ceramic with a low transition temperature, e.g. aging at 80°C for 30 days is required for the ceramic with x =1.5 (transition temperature ∼175°C). Our results also reveal that the defect dipoles can be switched under a slow-switching electric field (<1 Hz) or at high temperatures (>100°C), thus leading to an opening of the double P – E loop.     

Thermodynamic Stability of K+-β-Alumina

K₂O activity in K⁺-(α+β)-alumina was determined from emf data of the galvanic cell Pt,O₂,(α+β)-alumina/K⁺-β-alumina/K₂SO₄,SO₂+SO₃+O₂,Pt. K₂O activity in the K⁺-(α+β)-alumina was expressed by the equation log a_k2o (±0.038)=(−18295±120)(K/T)+(0.998±0.110), where 961 K+-β-alumina are discussed: the standard Gibbs energy of formation of K₂O·11Al₂O₃ from K₂O and α-Al₂O₃ and from K, O, and Al; the thermodynamic stabilities of K⁺-β-alumina in the atmospheres of SO_x (x=2, 3) and CO₂; the equilibrium vapor pressure of potassium over K⁺-β-alumina under a constant O₂ pressure; and the stability of K⁺-β-alumina in the molten Na-K alloy.     

Phase Relations in the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2xTiO3 System

The phase relations and the mechanism of solid-state synthesis for the Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃–Li_{3 x} La_{(2/3)− x} □_{(1/3)−2 x} TiO₃ system were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The study revealed that the extent of the homogeneity range—which is related to the A-site substitution between (Na_0.5Bi_0.5)²⁺ and (Li_{3 x} La_{(2/3)− x} □_{(1/3)−2 x} )²⁺ pseudo cations of a perovskite structure—depends strongly on the ordering of the (Li_{3 x} La_{(2/3)− x} □_{(1/3)−2 x} )²⁺ species. The solid-state reaction of the compounds in the homogeneity range is completed only after multiple high-temperature firings. However, the system is also subjected to a slow thermal decomposition; this is particularly so for the compounds with a high × value and an increased Li_{3 x} La_{(2/3)− x} □_{(1/3)−2 x} TiO₃ concentration.     

K/Na Ratio Dependence of the Electrical Properties of [(KxNa1−x)0.95Li0.05](Nb0.95Ta0.05)O3 Lead-Free Ceramics

[(K _x Na_{1− x} )_0.95Li_0.05](Nb_0.95Ta_0.05)O₃ (K _x NLNT) ( x= 0.40–0.60) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state sintering. The effects of K/Na ratio on the dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of the K _x NLNT ceramics were studied. The experimental results show that the electrical properties strongly depend on the K/Na ratio in the K _x NLNT ceramics. The K _x NLNT ( x =0.42) ceramics exhibit enhanced properties ( d ₃₃∼242 pC/N, k _p∼45.7%, k _t∼47%, T _c∼432°C, T _o−t =48°C, ɛ_r∼1040, tanδ∼2.0%, P _r∼26.4 μC/cm², E _c∼10.3 kV/cm). Enhanced electrical properties of the K _x NLNT ( x =0.42) ceramics could be attributed to the polymorphic phase transition near room temperature. These results show that the K _x NLNT ( x =0.42) ceramic is a promising lead-free piezoelectric material.     

Piezoelectric Properties of (1−x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–xAgSbO3 Lead-Free Ceramics

(1− x )(Na_0.5K_0.5)NbO₃– x AgSbO₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by normal sintering. The effects of the AgSbO₃ on the phase structure and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were systematically studied. These results show that the AgSbO₃-modified (K_0.50Na_0.50)NbO₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics form stable solution with orthorhombic structure, and the Curie temperature and the polymorphic phase transition of the ceramics decreased with increasing AgSbO₃. The result shows that the piezoelectric properties of the ceramics strongly depend on the AgSbO₃. The ceramics with x =0.05 possess optimum properties ( d ₃₃=192 pC/N, k _p=43%, T _c=348°C, T _o−t =145°C, ɛ_r∼632, and tan δ∼3.5%). These results indicate that the ceramic is a promising candidate material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.     

Pyroxene-Type (K,Na,Li)VO3 Solid Solutions

Phase relations in the system were studied between 600° and 350°C. All three end members have the pyroxene-type structure. Both LiVO₃ and NaVO₃ are monoclinic, whereas KVO₃ takes the orthorhombic symmetry. At 360°C, the join LiVO₃–NaVO₃ is characterized by two series of pyroxene-type solid solutions: NaVO₃–(Na_0.44Li_0.56)VO₃ and LiVO₃-(Na_0.16Li_0.84)-VO₃. (K_0.5Na_0.5)VO₃ and (K_0.5Li_0.5)VO₃ are two other stable phases at 360°C. The pyroxene-type (K_0.5Na_0.5)VO₃ has a range of solid solution from (K_0.6Na_0.4)VO₃ to (K_0.4Na_0.6)VO₃ along the join and extends into the ternary field with a maximum of 13 mol% LiVO₃. (K_0.5Li_0.5)VO₃ has no detectable range of solid solution, and its X-ray powder diffraction data cannot be indexed based upon either the monoclinic or the orthorhombic unit cell.     

Ion Exchange in Alkali Layers of Potassium β -Ferrite ((1 + x)K2O · 11Fe2O3) Single Crystals

The potassium ions in potassium β-ferrite ((1 + x)K₂O ·11Fe₂O₃) crystals were exchanged with Na⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ag⁺, NH₄⁺, and H₃O⁺ in molten nitrates or in concentrated H₂SO₄. On the other hand, spinel and hexagonal ferrites were formed by soaking the crystals in the melt of divalent salts. The crystals of K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺β-ferrites decomposed to form α-Fe₂O₃ at high temperatures of 800° to 1100°C. In addition, H₃O⁺, NH₄⁺, and Ag⁺β-ferrites decomposed to form α-Fe₂O₃ at relatively low temperatures of 350° to 650°C, in accordance with the stabilities of the inserted ions. The electrical properties of some β-ferrites were measured.     

Formation of Infinite-Layered (Ca1-xSrx) CuO2 and NaCuO2-type (Ca1-yNay)0.85CuO2 in Tartrate Route

Both NaCuO₂-type Ca_0.85CuO₂ and infinite-layered (Ca_{1- x} Sr _x )CuO₂ could be prepared much more easily by firing the dried solids from mixed acetate aqueous solutions titrated with tartaric acid than by normal calcination. The presence of a narrow solid-solution composition range of 0.10 < x > 0.16 was confirmed in infinite-layered (Ca_{1- x} Sr _x )CuO₂ in the preparation using the tartrate route. The calcium could also be substituted by sodium in a range of y > 0.15 in NaCuO₂-type (Ca_{1- y} Na _y )_0.85CuO₂ using the same route. Further substitution of Ca²⁺ with Y³⁺ might also be possible in infinite-layered (Ca_{1- x} Sr _x )CuO₂, but resulted in the NaCuO2-type compound in the substitution with Na⁺.     

Ionic Conductivity and Sinterability of NASICON-Type Ceramics: The Systems NaM2(PO4)3+yNa2o (M = Ge, Ti, Hf, and Zr)

Sodium-rich NASOCON-type ceramics, the NaM₂(PO₄)₃+_yNa₂O (M = Ge, Ti, Hf, Zr) system, were investigated in order to obtain a material having a high Na⁺ conductivity and high density. The ionic conductivity and the sinterability were greately improved by an increase in the valve of y for all of the system examined. Added Na₂O was not souble in teh NASICON-type skeletton, sice the lattice constants and teh X-ray diffraction patterns were not changed by the Na₂O addintion in all of the samples. Na₂O acts as a flux for obtaining highly dense ceramics and highly conductive grain boundaries. Partial A₂ site insertion by Na⁺ ions is effective for the enhancement of conductivity, because the conductivity for Na_1.5M(III)_0.5Zr_1.5(PO₄)₃ (M = In or Y) is about 1 order of magnitude higher than the maximum conductivity of the NaZr₂(PO₄)₃+_yNa₂O system.     

Microstructure, Density, and Dielectric Properties of Lead-Free (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.96−xTaxSb0.04)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics

Lead-free (K_0.44Na_0.52Li_0.04) (Nb_0.96−xTa_xSb_0.04)O₃ piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method. The grain growth of the ceramics was inhibited and the relative density was improved with Ta substituting for Nb. Increasing x led to different variations of dielectric properties before and after poling, and prevented the occurrence of orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition (at T _{o − t} ). All the ceramics show an intermediate relaxor-like behavior between normal and ideal relaxor ferroelectrics. Significantly enhanced dielectric and piezoelectric properties were obtained in the ceramics with x =0.20. The ceramics are very promising lead-free materials for electromechanical device applications.     

Peculiar Dielectric Behaviors of (Na1/2Bi1/2)0.87Pb0.13TiO3 Thin Films

PbTiO₃-doped sodium bismuth titanate (Na_1/2Bi_1/2)_{1− x} Pb _x TiO₃ of perovskite structure is one of the best-known piezoelectrics/ferroelectrics. However, it has not been properly investigated in any thin-film forms. In this study, the dielectric properties of (Na_1/2Bi_1/2)_0.87Pb_0.13TiO₃ thin films synthesized via a sol–gel route were investigated. They exhibit a strong frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity at relatively high frequencies, which is shifted to lower frequencies with increasing temperature. The electrical behavior can be fitted using Jonscher's universal law for dielectric relaxation. The peculiar dielectric behaviors observed can be ascribed to the coexistence of two different dielectric phases in the films, which is believed to be associated with the growth of the local Pb²⁺TiO₃ nanoclusters upon substitution of Pb²⁺ for Na⁺/Bi³⁺ in the (Na_1/2Bi_1/2)_{1− x} Pb _x TiO₃ films.     

Thermodynamic Regularities in Perovskite and K2NiF4 Compounds

It has been found that the enthalpy of formation of perovskite compounds, Δ_fH° (ABO₃, B = transition metais), from binary oxides can be well characterized in terms the tolerance factor, t≡(r_A+ r_o)√2 (r_B+ r_o), where r_A and r_B are the radii of A-site ions with 12-coordination and B-site ions with 6-coordination, respectively, and Δ_fH°=−168 + 270(1 − t) kJ·mol⁻¹ for A^IB^VO₃, Δ_fH°=−125 + 1000(1 − t) kJ·mol⁻¹ for A^IIB^IVO₃, and Δ_fH°=− 90 + 720(1 − t) kJ·mol⁻¹ for A^IIIB^IIIO₃. Although the thermodynamic data of K₂NiF₄ compounds are not extensive, a similar regularity can be found when use is made of the radii of A-site ions with 9-coordination for the K₂NiF₄ compounds. These correlations will be quite useful in predicting.     

Microstructure and Electrical Properties of [(K0.50Na0.50)0.95−xLi0.05Agx](Nb0.95Ta0.05)O3 Lead-Free Ceramics

[(K_0.50Na_0.50)_{0.95− x} Li_0.05Ag _x ](Nb_0.95Ta_0.05)O₃ (KNLNANT- x ) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by normal sintering. Effects of the Ag content on the microstructure and electrical properties of KNLNANT- x ceramics were systematically investigated. It is found that the ceramics with x =0.03 exhibit relatively good electrical properties along with high Curie temperature: ( d ₃₃∼252 pC/N, T _c∼438°C, k _p∼45.4%, P _r∼30.1 μC/cm², E _c∼13.8 kV/cm, ɛ_r∼1030, and tan δ∼2.6%). The related mechanism for enhanced electrical properties of the ceramics was also discussed. These results show that KNLNANT-0.03 ceramic is a promising candidate material for high temperature lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.     

Microstructure and Electrical Properties of (K, Na, Li)NbO3–Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics

A new type (1− x )(K_0.485Na_0.485Li_0.03)NbO₃– x Pb(Zr_0.53Ti_0.47)O₃ piezoelectric ceramics was fabricated by conventional ceramics sintering technique. Their microstructure and electrical properties of the ceramics were also studied. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy patterns indicate that all ceramics samples exhibit a pure perovskite and highly dense structure, and the coexistence of the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases is formed; The ceramic with x =0.75 exhibits the following excellent properties: d ₃₃=363 pC/N, k _p=63%, Q _m=142, ɛ_r=1590, tan δ=1.70%, P _r=28.6 μC/cm², E _c=0.89 kV/mm, T _c=295°C. These results indicate that the ceramic is a promising candidate for piezoelectric ceramics in practical applications.     

Pyrochlore Phase Formation in the System Bi2O3–ZnO–Ta2O5

The subsolidus phase diagram of the system Bi₂O₃–ZnO–Ta₂O₅ in the region of the cubic pyrochlore phase has been determined at 1050°C. This phase forms a solid solution area that includes the ideal composition P, Bi₃Zn₂Ta₃O₁₄; possible solid solution mechanisms are proposed, supported by density measurements of Zn-deficient solid solutions. The general formula of the solid solutions is Bi_{3+ y} Zn_{2− x} Ta_{3− y} O_{14− x − y} , based on the creation of Zn²⁺, O²⁻ vacancies in Zn-deficient compositions and a variable Bi/Ta ratio.