Influence of Ca0.8Sr0.2TiO3 on the microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of Nd(Mg0.4Zn0.1Sn0.5)O3 ceramics

The influence of Ca_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ on the microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of Nd(Mg_0.4Zn_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were investigated by the conventional solid-state method. The X-ray diffraction peaks of (1 − x)Nd(Mg_0.4Zn_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃–xCa_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ ceramic system shifted to higher angles as x increased. The dielectric constant increased from 31.8 to 47.7, the quality factor (Q × f) decreased from 54,200 to 42,800 GHz, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ _f ) increased from −43 to +41 ppm/°C as x increased from 0.5 to 0.7 when (1 − x)Nd(Mg_0.4Zn_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃–xCa_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ ceramic system sintered at 1,600 °C for 4 h.     

Influence of ZnO additions to 0.8(Mg0.95Co0.05)TiO3–0.2Ca0.6La0.8/3TiO3 ceramics on sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties

The effects of ZnO addition on the microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of 0.8(Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO3–0.2Ca_0.6La_0.8/3TiO₃ ceramics were investigated. ZnO was selected as liquid phase sintering aids to lower the sintering temperature of 0.8(Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO3–0.2Ca_0.6La_0.8/3TiO₃ ceramics. With ZnO additives, the densification temperature of 0.8(Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO₃–0.2Ca_0.6La_0.8/3TiO₃ can be effectively reduced from 1450 to 1200–1325 °C. The crystalline phase exhibited no phase difference at low addition levels (0.25–2 wt.%). It is found that low-level doping of ZnO (0.25–2 wt.%) can significantly improve the density and dielectric properties of 0.8(Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO₃–0.2Ca_0.6La_0.8/3TiO₃ ceramics. The quality factors Q × f were strongly dependent upon the amount of additives. Q × f values of 36 000 and 13 000 GHz could be obtained at 1200–1325 °C with 1 and 2 wt.% ZnO additives, respectively. During all additives ranges, the relative dielectric constants were significantly different and ranged from 23.1 to 27.96. The temperature coefficient varies from 14.1–24.3 ppm/°C.     

Enhancing the oxygen permeability of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O5 + δ membranes by coating RBaCo2O5 + δ(R= Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) layers

The effects of a thin RBaCo₂O_5 + δ (R= Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) layer coating on the oxygen permeation flux through Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_5 + δ(BSCF) membrane were investigated. Due to the high oxygen adsorption and desorption rate constants k_a and k_d of the RBaCo₂O_5 + δ (R112) materials and the porous structure of the coating layers, the oxygen permeation flux through the BSCF membranes can be enhanced remarkably. It was found that the reaction between Pr112 and BSCF also has significant influence on the oxygen permeation flux. The reaction between Pr112 and BSCF forms impurities which may block oxygen permeation flux. However, Nd112, Sm112, and Gd112 do not react seriously with BSCF, therefore, coating layers of these materials can significantly enhance the oxygen permeation flux of BSCF membranes.     

Synthesis of layered Li1.2+x[Ni0.25Mn0.75]0.8−xO2 materials (0 ≤ x ≤ 4/55) via a new simple microwave heating method and their electrochemical properties

Li_1.2+x[Ni_0.25Mn_0.75]_0.8−xO₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4/55) was prepared by a new simple microwave heating method and the effect of extra Li⁺ content on electrochemistry of Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ (x = 0) was firstly revealed. X-ray diffraction identified that they had layered α-NaFeO₂ structure (space group R-3m). Linear variation of lattice constant as a function of x value supported the formation of solid solution, that is, extra Li⁺ is possibly incorporated in structure of layered Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ (x = 0), accompanying oxidization of Ni²⁺ to Ni³⁺ to form Li_1.2+x[Ni_0.25Mn_0.75]_0.8−xO₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4/55). This was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy that Ni³⁺ appeared and increased in content with increasing x value. Charge–discharge tests showed that Li_1.2+x[Ni_0.25Mn_0.75]_0.8−xO₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4/55) truly displayed different electrochemical properties (different initial charge–discharge plots, capacities and cycleability). Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ (x = 0) in this work delivered the highest discharge capacity of 219 mAh g⁻¹ between 4.8 and 2.0 V. Increasing Li content (x value in Li_1.2+x[Ni_0.25Mn_0.75]_0.8−xO₂) reduced charge–discharge capacities, but significantly enhancing cycleability.     

Piezoelectric, ferroelectric and dielectric properties of La2O3-doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 lead-free ceramics

La₂O₃ (0–0.8 wt.%)-doped (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ (abbreviated as BNBT6) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The influences of La₂O₃ on the microstructure, the dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the composites were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that 0.2-0.8 wt.% of La₂O₃ has diffused into the lattice of BNBT6 ceramics. Consequently, a pure perovskite phase is formed. SEM images show that the microstructure of the ceramics is changed with the addition of a small amount of La₂O₃. The temperature dependence of the relative dielectric constant shows that Curie point decreases with the increase of La₂O₃. At room temperature, the ceramics doped with 0.6 wt.% La₂O₃ show superior performance with high piezoelectric constant (d₃₃ = 167 pC/N), high planar electromechanical coupling factor (k_p = 0.30), high mechanical quality factor (Q_m = 118), high relative dielectric constant (ε_r = 1470) and lower dissipation factor (tanδ = 0.056) at a frequency of 10 kHz.     

Structural, electrochemical and thermal properties of LiNi0.8−xCo0.2CexO2 as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

A series of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries with the formula LiNi_0.8−xCo_0.2Ce_xO₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) were synthesized by sol–gel method using citric acid as a chelating agent. The effects of cerium substitution on the structural, electrochemical and thermal properties of the cathode materials are investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), charge–discharge cycling, cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results show that the Ce substitution made the layered structure of materials more regular and less cation-ion mixing. An effective improved cycling performance is observed for cerium-doped cathode materials, which is interpreted to a significant suppression of phase transitions and charge-transfer impedance increasing during cycling. The thermal stability of cerium-doped materials is also improved, which can be attributed to its lower oxidation ability and enhanced structural stability at delithiated state.     

Synthesis and characterizations of A-site deficient perovskite Sr0.9Ti0.8−xGaxNb0.2O3

The effects of reduction and Ga-doping on the physicochemical properties of A-site deficient perovskites Sr_0.9Ti_0.8−xGa_xNb_0.2O₃ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2) are reported. With 10% Ga doping, the sample sintered in air and treated at 1400 °C in H₂ atmosphere exhibits the highest electrical conductivity. It is found that the Ga-doping lowers the sinterability but promotes the reduction of Sr_0.9Ti_0.8−xGa_xNb_0.2O₃. The XRD analysis on the reduced samples suggests that some cations are reduced during the treatment. However, without high temperature pre-reduction, the improvement of Ga-doping is limited and the overall cell performance using Sr_0.9Ti_0.8−xGa_xNb_0.2O₃ as an anode without catalysts is still relatively low.     

Effect of B-site doping on Sm0.5Sr0.5MxCo1−xO3−δ properties for IT-SOFC cathode material (M = Fe, Mn)

The crystal structure, thermal expansion rate, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of Sm_0.5Sr_0.5M_xCo_1−xO_3−δ (M = Fe, Mn) have been investigated. Two crystal structures have been observed in the specimens of Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Fe_xCo_1−xO_3−δ (SSFC) at room temperature, the perovskite structure of SSFC has an orthorhombic symmetry for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 and a cubic symmetry for 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.9. The specimens of Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_xCo_1−xO_3−δ (SSMC) crystallize in an orthorhombic structure. The adjustment of thermal expansion rate to electrolyte, which is one of the main problems of SSC, can be achieved to lower TEC values with more Fe and Mn substitution. Especially, Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.8Co_0.2O_3−δ exhibits good thermal compatibility with La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O₃. High electrical conductivities are obtained for all the specimens and they demonstrate above 100 S/cm at 800 °C in SSFC system. The polarization resistance increases with increasing Mn content, Nevertheless, the polarization resistance of SSFC increases with increasing Fe content, but when the amount of Fe reaches to 0.4, the maximum is obtained while the resistance will decrease when the amount of Fe reaches above 0.4. Sm_0.5Sr_0.5Fe_0.8Co_0.2O_3−δ electrode exhibits high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction operating at temperature from 700 to 800 °C.     

Microwave dielectric and elastic properties of glass-added Ba6−3xR8+2xTi18O54 (x = 2/3)

Microwave dielectric properties of Ba_6−3xSm_8+2xTi₁₈O₅₄ (x = 2/3) [BST] ceramics with the addition of 0–3 wt.% of various glasses have been studied. It has been found that the addition of 0.5 wt.% of the glasses decreases the sintering temperature by about 150 °C. In general, addition of 0.5 wt.% of Zn, Mg and Pb-based glasses deteriorate the quality factor, whereas aluminum and barium borosilicates do not decrease it considerably. The quality factor and dielectric constant decrease with increasing amount of glass. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency shifts towards positive or negative depending on the composition of the glass. A glass–ceramic composite with a dielectric constant 64, Q × f nearly 8500 GHz and near to zero τ_f could be obtained at a sintering temperature of 1175 °C when 3–4 wt.% Al₂O₃–B₂O₃–SiO₂ glass was added to BST ceramic. The Young's modulus decreases with increasing amount of glass, irrespective of the composition of glass.     

Ac conductivity, dielectric losses, permittivity behavior of BaxSr1?xFe0.8Co0.2O3?δ (x?=?0, 0.5 and 1) ceramics

In this paper, we have investigated ac conductivity, dielectric losses, permittivity of Ba _x Sr_1−x Fe_0.8Co_0.2O_3−δ (x = 0, 0.5, 1) ceramics. It has been observed that increase in barium content decreases activation energy (i.e. conductivity increases) in the higher temperature region (550–770 K). In the lower temperature region system with x = 0 shows metallic conductor behavior and system with x = 1 shows thermally activated behavior. The ferroelectric peak temperatures are observed at 700, 750 and 723 K for x = 0, 0.5 and 1, respectively. This peak temperature can be attributed to the oxygen-vacancy-related dielectric relaxation. With the increase of barium content the dielectric dispersion tend to diminishes. Partial substitution of strontium with barium (for x = 0.5) reduces dielectric losses by 50%.     

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of L0.5Sr0.5Mn0.5M0.5O3 (L = Y, Pr; M = Cu, Ru)

A new Mn-containing material with nominal composition L_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.5M_0.5O₃ (L = Y or Pr; M = Cu or Ru), as well as Y_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ for comparison, were synthesized. The results of the XRD and EDX analyses show that the obtained samples are single-phased and isostructural, with L_1–xA_xMnO₃. The L_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.5Cu_0.5O₃ material displays a PM behavior down to 8 K where paramagnetic–antiferromagnetic transition begins. The Pr_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.5Cu_0.5O₃ sample has a broad transition at 210 K and a magnetoresistance of 34% at 128 K. The Pr_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.5Ru_0.5O₃ material has a paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition beginning at 330 K and a ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic one at about 160 K. The obtained value of T _c is the highest for the Pr-containing manganites. The roles of Pr/Sr ratio, anisotropy, and intergranular effects in the samples are discussed.     

Magnetic properties and magnetoelectric effect in Ni0.8Co0.1Cu0.1Fe2O4 + PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 composites

Composites with compositions x (Ni_0.8Co_0.1Cu_0.1Fe₂O₄) + (1−x) PbZr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ (x-mole fraction varies as 0.15, 0.25, 0.35 and 0.45) were prepared by standard ceramic method. The presence of constituent phases, namely ferrite and the ferroelectric were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The structural analyses were carried out using the obtained powder pattern X-ray data. The porosity of the samples was calculated and the values obtained lie between 10% to 19%. To date, the variations in the magnetic properties with variation in ferrite phase in composites and thereby its influence on magnetoelectric effect is not yet reported. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and magnetic moment (η_B) in Bohr magneton were calculated for all the composites. The static value of magnetoelectric voltage coefficient (dE/dH) was measured as a function of intensity of magnetic field. The maximum value of ME coefficient was observed for a composite with 35% ferrite + 65% ferroelectric phase.     

X-ray photoelectron study on Ba0.5Sr0.5CoxFe1?xO3?δ (BSCF: x?=?0.2 and 0.8) ceramics annealed at different temperature and pO2

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were measured for the sintered BSCF ceramics (Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co _x Fe_1−x O_3−δ, x = 0.2 and 0.8: BSCF5528 and BSCF5582, respectively), which were annealed at different temperatures (700 and 950 °C) and gases (O₂ and Ar). The unit cell of the annealed BSCF5528 at 950 °C under Ar expanded by 0.8%, while contracting by 0.45% under O₂. The cubic and rhombohedral phases coexist in the BSCF5582 annealed at 700 °C under O₂. The XPS peak areas of lattice oxygen (O²⁻) in O_1s , ~528 eV, and the shoulder peak of Co_2p /Ba_3d in BSCF5582 (~778 eV) increased significantly after being annealed in O₂. The areas of the peaks for BaCO₃ (87.9/90.2 eV) in Ba_4d preferentially were shown to decrease in Ar and increase in O₂.     

Electrical and optical investigations on Pb1 − 3x/2LaxZr0.2Ti0.8O3 thin films obtained by radiofrequency assisted pulsed laser deposition

Thin films of ferroelectric relaxor Pb_1 − 3x/2La_xZr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃, x = 0.22 have been integrated in an oxidic heterostructure for electro-optical investigations. The quadratic electro-optic behavior and optical properties have been studied by means of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry method in reflection mode. Birefringence values up to δΔ = 0.17° have been obtained for quadratic compositions at λ = 540 nm and 65° angle of incidence. Structural, chemical and morphologic properties of Pb_1-3x/2La_xZr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ (x = 0.22) thin films have been investigated by x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy techniques. The dielectric and ferroelectric behavior has been investigated using dielectric spectroscopy and a ferroelectric test system.     

Phase Diagram and Dielectric Properties of Pb[Zr1 – x(Fe0.5Nb0.5)x]O3 (0 < x < 0.2) Solid Solutions

The structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of Pb[Zr_{1 – x} (Fe_0.5Nb_0.5) _x ]O₃ (0 < x < 0.2) solid solutions were investigated. The results were used to assess in detail the phase relations near the morphotropic boundary.     

Thermal expansion properties of Ln2−xCrxMo3O12 (Ln = Er and Y)

Structures and thermal expansion properties of Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (Ln = Er and Y) have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. Rietveld analysis results of Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ indicate that compounds Er_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) and Y_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) crystallize in orthorhombic structure and exhibit negative thermal expansion, while both monoclinic and orthorhombic compounds Er_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.7 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) and Y_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.8 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) possess positive coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficients of linear thermal expansion of orthorhombic Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ change from negative to positive with increasing chromium content. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to study the hygroscopicity and the phase transition temperature.     

Synthesis of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 anisotropic particles with grain orientation by conversion of Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 crystals

A novel method for synthesizing Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ (BNT) anisotropic particles with grain orientation is reported. Anisotropically shaped particles of BNT were prepared by conversion of Na_0.5Bi_4.5Ti₄O₁₅ (NBT15) single crystals. Platelet NBT15 was produced by molten-salt synthesis. They were converted to BNT by second molten-salt synthesis at 800–1200 °C. NBT15 single-crystal platelets were transformed into platelet particles of polycrystalline BNT. The reaction is topotaxial, those recrystallized BNT were oriented with (h 0 0) plane parallel to the platelet. The use of converted BNT particles as seed was confirmed by performing templated grain growth (TGG) of BNT with 5% grain-oriented, anisotropic particles of BNT.     

The effect of Sb2O5 additions on the dielectric properties of Ag(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 ceramics

The sintering behavior and dielectric properties for perovskite Ag(Nb_0.8Ta_0.2)O₃ ceramic with Sb₂O₅ doping was explored. A small amount of Sb₂O₅ (2.5 wt.%) led to high densification at temperatures < 1060 °C. The dielectric constant increased and the temperature coefficient decreased with increasing concentration of Sb₂O₅, and the dielectric constant reached 673, combined with a low temperature coefficient of 147 ppm/°C, and dielectric loss of 0.0044 (at 1 MHz) for the sample with 3.5 wt.% Sb₂O₅ sintered at 1080 °C.     

Microstructure, domain structures and ferroelectric properties in (Pb0.8,La0.1,Ca0.1)TiO3/Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3 bilayered thin film

Ferroelectric (Pb_0.8,La_0.1,Ca_0.1)TiO₃/Pb(Zr_0.2,Ti_0.8)O₃ (PLCT/PZT) bilayered thin film was prepared on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO₂/Si(100) substrate by RF magnetron sputtering technique. Pure perovskite crystalline phase, determined by X-ray diffraction, was formed in the PLCT/PZT bilayer. The bilayered film exhibited a very dense and smooth surface morphology with a uniform grain size distribution. The ferroelectric domain structures were investigated by a combination of vertical and lateral piezoresponse force microscopy (VPFM and LPFM, respectively). It is demonstrated by both VPFM and LPFM observations that out-of-plane and in-plane lamellar ferroelectric domains coexist in the bilayered thin film. The PLCT/PZT bilayered film possesses good ferroelectric properties with relatively high spontaneous polarization (2P_s = 82 µC/cm²) and remnant polarization (2P_r = 26.2 µC/cm²).     

Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Bi5−xLaxTi3Co0.5Fe0.5O15 ceramics

The Bi_5−xLa_xTi₃Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₁₅ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics were successfully synthesized by a modified Pechini process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and no impurity phase has been detected. The cell volume of the composites increases monotonously with the increase of La content, which indicates that La ions have been incorporated into the lattice of Bi₅Ti₃Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₁₅. The magnetic measurements show that La doping on Bi sites has enhanced the magnetization of Bi_5−xLa_xTi₃Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₁₅ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4). Both the dielectric constants and loss tangent of all the samples decrease on increasing frequency and then become almost constant at room temperature. The La doped Bi₅Ti₃Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₁₅ samples exhibit improved dielectric and ferroelectric properties, with higher dielectric constant enhanced remnant polarization and lower losses at room temperature.