Correlations between the crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties in Ce2[Zr1-xMx]3(MoO4)9 (M = Mn1/3Nb2/3, Mn1/3Ta2/3) solid-solution ceramics

Ce₂[Zr_1-xM_x]₃(MoO₄)₉ (M = Mn_1/3Nb_2/3, Mn_1/3Ta_2/3; x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10) (abbreviated as CZ_1-xN_x and CZ_1-xT_x) ceramics were prepared through the solid-state reaction method. Effects of (Mn_1/3Nb_2/3)⁴⁺ and (Mn_1/3Ta_2/3)⁴⁺ ions on the sintering characteristics, crystal structures, microwave dielectric properties and infrared vibrational modes were studied in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal the formation of solid solutions for all components. Based on the chemical bond theory and Rietveld refinement, intrinsic structure parameters including the polarizability (P), the packing fraction (P.F.) and the octahedral distortion (Δ_octa.), and bond parameters including the lattice energy (U), bond energy (E) and thermal expansion coefficient (α) were calculated. Interestingly, the Ce–O bond plays a major role in the bond ionicity (f_i), while Mo–O bond dominates the contributions in the lattice energy (U), bond energy (E) and thermal expansion coefficient (α). In addition, these parameters are used to explain the variations of the microwave dielectric properties of ceramics either changing the doping contents or replacing different ions at x = 0.06. Furthermore, far infrared (FIR) spectra uncover that the phonon modes provide the major polarization contribution of 68.59% in the CZ_0.9T_0.1 ceramic, implying that the main contribution to ε_r stems from the ionic polarization instead of the electronic polarization. Typically, the optimum microwave dielectric properties are achieved for the CZ_0.9N_0.1 and CZ_0.9T_0.1 ceramics with ε_r = 10.76, Q × f = 85,893 GHz (at 9.52 GHz), τ_f = −14.83 ppm °C⁻¹ and ε_r = 10.72, Q × f = 87,355 GHz (at 9.81 GHz) and τ_f = −8.68 ppm °C⁻¹, respectively. Notably, the CZ_0.9T_0.1 ceramic has a markedly increased Q × f while maintaining a good τ_f = −8.68 ppm °C⁻¹ and a low sintering temperature of 700 °C.     

Bond characteristics,sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of Ce2[Zr1−x(Ca1/3Sb2/3)x]3(MoO4)9 ceramics

Ce₂[Zr_1?x(Ca_1/3Sb_2/3)_x]₃(MoO₄)₉ (CZ_1?x(CS)_xM) (x = 0.02–0.10) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The correlations between the chemical bond parameters and microwave dielectric properties were calculated and analyzed by using the Phillips–Van Vechten–Levine (P–V–L) theory. Phase composition and microstructures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. Lattice parameters were obtained by Rietveld refinements based on XRD data. Excellent properties for Ce₂[Zr_0.96(Ca_1/3Sb_2/3)_0.04]₃(MoO₄)₉ ceramic sintered at 775 °C: ε_r = 10.68, Q×f = 85,336 GHz and τ_f = ?7.58 ppm/°C were achieved.     

Microwave dielectric properties of Ba3Ti4−x(Zn1/3Nb2/3)xNb4O21 for low temperature co-fired ceramics

The effects of substitution of (Zn_1/3Nb_2/3) for Ti on the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of Ba₃Ti_4−x(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xNb₄O₂₁ (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) ceramics have been investigated. The dielectric constant (?_r) and the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τ_f) of Ba₃Ti_4−x(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xNb₄O₂₁ ceramics decreased with increasing x. However, the Q × f values enhanced with the substitution of (Zn_1/3Nb_2/3) for Ti. It was found that a small amount of MnCO₃-CuO (MC) and ZnO-B₂O₃-SiO₂ (ZBS) glass additives to Ba₃Ti_4−x(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xNb₄O₂₁ (x = 2) ceramics lowered the sintering temperature from 1250 to 900 °C. And Ba₃Ti_4−x(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_xNb₄O₂₁ (x = 2) ceramics with 1 wt% MC and 1 wt% ZBS sintered at 900 °C for 2 h showed excellent dielectric properties: ?_r = 53, Q × f = 14,600 GHz, τ_f = 6 ppm/°C. Moreover, it has a chemical compatibility with silver, which made it as a promising material for low temperature co-fired ceramics technology application.     

A cofired trilayer architecture to regulate temperature stability while maintaining high-Q: The case study of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 – Mg4Nb2O9 system

Trilayer architectures were designed and investigated to further improve the microwave dielectric properties of the Ba(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (BMN) – Mg₄Nb₂O₉ (MN) system, namely, to achieve temperature stability while maintaining high-Q. The calculated phase fractions in randomly distributed (1-x)BMN-xMN ceramics deviated from the designed composition (where the composition with x = 0.045, 0.056, 0.125 and 0.98 was respectively referred to as S1, S2, S3 and MN'), thus allowing it difficult to obtain near-zero τ_f as expected. In densification studies, doping a little MN was shown to effectively promote the sintering of BMN and provide the possibility for layer-cofired optimization. Fortunately, undesired differences in composition and performance could be suppressed with the weakened ion diffusion occurring at narrow interfaces with a width of ～2.5 μm in the S1/MN'/S1 trilayer architecture. Considering the influence of cofired compatibility and stress of dielectric layers, the compositionally optimized S3/MN'/S3 ceramics sintered at 1340 °C exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε_r = 21.95, Q × f = 110,482 GHz (f₀ = 6.870 GHz), and τ_f = 0.965 ppm/°C. Moreover, the dielectric response mechanism of layered ceramics was clarified by establishing the relationship between the layered architecture, dielectric properties and electric field distribution using the finite element method and high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS). This suggests that layered architectures like S1-3/MN'/S1-3 could effectively compensate for the dielectric properties and hold a promising application prospect of 5G wireless communication.     

Effects of Sn substitution on the crystal structures,microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties of Ce2Zr3(MoO4)9 ceramics

A series of Ce₂(Zr_1?xSn_x)₃(MoO₄)₉ (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) (CZ_1?xS_xM) ceramics were synthesized to investigate the effect of Sn⁴⁺ doping on the crystal structure, chemical bond parameters, and dielectric properties of Ce₂Zr₃(MoO₄)₉ ceramics. X-ray diffraction patterns illustrated the formation of the single-phase trigonal system solid solution in all samples. Rietveld refinement result showed that the lattice volume decreased linearly, which can be explained by the fact that the effective radius of Sn ion is smaller than that of Zr ion. As the Sn content increased, scanning electron microscope images showed that the CZ_1?xS_xM ceramics transformed from bar-like grains to disk-like grains and the grain size declined gradually. The structure–property correlation was estimated by using P–V-L theory; the descending ε_r was mainly consistent with the reduced polarizability and total bond ionicity. The Q × f was associated with the lattice energy of the Ce–O1 bond. The change of τ_f value was mainly attributed to the bond energy (E_Mo1–O1 and E_Mo1–O4) and the coefficients of thermal expansion (α_Mo1–O1 and α_Mo1–O4). Infrared analysis indicated that the dielectric properties of the CZ_1?xS_xM ceramics were primarily ascribed to the absorption of phonon oscillation. Notably, when x = 0.08, outstanding microwave dielectric properties could be achieved, namely, ε_r = 10.22, Q × f = 72,390 GHz, τ_f = ?7.54 ppm/°C.     

Improvement of microwave dielectric properties of the LiNb0.6Ti0.5O3 M-phase by doping with (Co1/3Nb2/3)4+

Structural evolution and microwave dielectric properties of LiNb_0.6(Ti_1-x[Co_1/3Nb_2/3]_x)_0.5O₃ (.05≤x≤.2) ceramics have been studied in this paper. Although the doped compositions maintain the M-phase solid solutions, compositional fluctuation due to nonuniform dispersion of minor dopants could be observed as x < .05, and trace amount of Li₂TiO₃-based solid solution (Li₂TiO₃ss) secondary phase presents in the x > .05 compositions. The microwave dielectric properties could be remarkably improved by the doping of (Co_1/2Nb_1/2)⁴⁺ in comparison to the undoped counterpart. Optimized microwave dielectric properties with Q × f = ∼6500 GHz, ε_r = ∼74 and τ_f = +8.2 ppm/°C could be obtained at x = .10 after sintering at 1050°C/2 h. The sintering temperature could be further reduced to 900°C/2 h by adding .2 wt% B₂O₃ without affecting significantly its microwave dielectric properties: ε_r = 73, Q × f = 6000 GHz, τ_f = +8.5 ppm/°C. The LiNb_0.6(Ti_1-x[Co_1/3Nb_2/3]_x)_0.5O₃ ceramics obtained in this case exhibit large dielectric permittivity coupled with much improved Q × f values, near zero τ_f, and low sintering temperature simultaneously, which makes it a promising high-k microwave dielectric material for low temperature cofired ceramic applications.     

Weak ferroelectricity and low-permittivity microwave dielectric properties of Ba2Zn(1+x)Si2O(7+x) ceramics

Ba₂Zn_(1+x)Si₂O_(7+x) ceramics were prepared using the conventional solid-state method at 1200 °C for 3 h in air. Apart from the previously reported Ba₂Zn_(1+x)Si₂O_(7+x) (x = 0) with a monoclinic structure (C 2/c), the end-member compositions at x = −1 and 1 exhibit single-phase β-BaSiO₃ with an orthorhombic structure (P2₁2₁2₁) and BaZnSiO₄ with a hexagonal structure (P6₃), and possess a coexistence of weak ferroelectricity and low-permittivity microwave dielectric properties. A reduction in Zn²⁺ content mainly decreases the intensity of the ε_r anomaly peak at lower temperature and increases the ε_r (or frequency) stability against temperature. The Zn²⁺-rich BaZnSiO₄ phase has a τ_f value of −181 ppm/°C, whereas the τ_f value of Zn²⁺-free BaSiO₃ phase decreases to −35.4 ppm/°C. The Zn²⁺ deficiency in Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ composition could inhibit the presence of BaZnSiO₄ phase and improve the τ_f value, whereas excessive Zn²⁺ cations prompt the formation of the BaZnSiO₄ phase to deteriorate significantly the τ_f value.     

Improvement of microwave dielectric properties for Ba(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics by Zr-substitution

Effects of Zr-substitution on the structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ ceramics have been investigated. A small amount of Zr-substitution facilitates the densification of Ba(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ ceramics. Within x≤0.05, the densification temperature decreases with increasing x in Ba[(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)_1−xZr_x]O₃, while it turns to increase for x>0.05. With increasing x, the grains become more homogeneous and closely contacted, and significantly increase in size for x=0.15–0.20. The B-site cations 1:2 ordering is destroyed by Zr-substitution, and only stabilizes for x≤0.04. B-site cations 1:1 ordering starts to form in x=0.04, and the 1:1 ordering degree first increases and then decreases with increasing x. Qf value decreases slightly in x=0.01 and then increases monotonously with x increasing from 0.02 to 0.20. The destroyed 1:2 ordering structure is responsible for the decreased Qf value in x=0.01, while the improved grain configuration dominates the increase of Qf value for x=0.02–0.20. The dielectric constant ε_r increases monotonously with increasing x, due to the higher polarizability of Zr ion than the average value of Ni/Nb ions. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τ_f shifts from negative to positive through zero with increasing x, which is ascribed to the highly positive τ_f value of the end member BaZrO₃. The significant improvement of microwave dielectric properties has been achieved for x=0.10, higher ε_r, higher Qf as well as near zero τ_f value have been obtained: ε_r=31.8, Qf=36,100 GHz, τ_f=7.8 ppm/°C.     

Structure and microwave dielectric properties of Li2Mg3Ti1-x(Al1/2Nb1/2)xO6 ceramics

Aiming to establish relationships between intrinsic structure factors and dielectric characteristics, a series of Li₂Mg₃Ti_1-x(Al_1/2Nb_1/2)_xO₆ (x = 0.0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20) ceramics were synthesized to investigate the influences of (Al_1/2Nb_1/2)⁴⁺ substitution on the dielectric properties of Li₂Mg₃TiO₆ ceramics. The XRD and SEM results revealed that the pure rock salt phase (space group: Fm-3m) with a dense microstructure could be obtained with increasing the (Al_1/2Nb_1/2)⁴⁺ concentration, which is accompanied by an increase in the grain size from 11.69 to 22.81 μm. Meanwhile, some intrinsic factors, such as the average ionic polarizability, bond energy, packing fraction and lattice energy were calculated according to the complex chemical bond theory and refinement results. The unusual change in the dielectric constant (ε_r) was explained by the combined effects of the average ionic polarizability and relative density. The variation in the quality factor (Q × f) was ascribed to the packing fraction and lattice energy. The temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (|τ_f|) reduced gradually with the increase in the octahedral bond energy, which enhanced the system thermal stability. Particularly, the Li₂Mg₃Ti_0.92(Al_1/2Nb_1/2)_0.08O₆ sample exhibited outstanding dielectric characteristics:ε_r = 15.256, Q × f = 174,300 GHz and τ_f = −19.97 ppm/°C.     

Crystal structure,densification, and microwave dielectric properties of Li3Mg2(Nb(1−x)Mox)O6+x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) ceramics

A novel system Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) microwave dielectric ceramics were fabricated by the solid-state method. The charge compensation of Mo⁶⁺ ions substitution for Nb⁵⁺ ions was performed by introducing oxygen ions. The X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinements indicated Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics with single phase and orthorhombic structure. Micro-structure and density confirmed that the grain of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1-x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics grew well. In addition, the permittivity of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_(1−x)Mo_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics with the same trend as density decreased slightly with increasing Mo⁶⁺ ions content. However, the Q*f and τ_f were obviously improved with an appropriate amount of Mo⁶⁺ ions. When x ≤ 0.04, the Q*f was closely related to the bond valence of samples, while when x ≥ 0.06, the Q*f was closely related to the density of samples. The variations of τ_f and oxygen octahedral distortion were the opposite. In conclusions, the Li₃Mg₂(Nb_0.98Mo_0.02)O_6.01 ceramic sintered at 1200°C for 6 hours exhibited outstanding properties: ε_r ~ 15.18, Q*f ~ 116 266 GHz, τ_f ~ −15.71 ppm/^oC.     

Crystal structure,microwave dielectric properties and low temperature sintering of (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+ co-substitution for Ti4+ of LiNb0.6Ti0.5O3 ceramics

The phase composition, microstructure, microwave dielectric properties of (Al_0.5Nb_0.5)⁴⁺ co-substitution for Ti site in LiNb_0.6Ti_0.5O₃ ceramics and the low temperature sintering behaviors of Li₂O-B₂O₃-SiO₂ (LBS) glass were systematically discussed. XRD patterns and EDS analysis result confirmed that single phase of Li_1.075Nb_0.625Ti_0.45O₃ solid solution was formed in all component. The increase of dielectric constant (ε_r) is ascribed to the improvement of bulk density. The restricted growth of grain has a negative influence on quality factor (Q×f) value. The τ_f value could be continuously shifted to near zero as the doping content increases. Great microwave dielectric properties were obtained in LiNb_0.6Ti_(0.5-x)(Al_0.5Nb_0.5)_xO₃ ceramics (x?=?0.10) when sintered at 1100?℃ for 2?h: ε_r =?70.34, Q×f =?5144?GHz, τ_f =?4.8?ppm/℃. The sintering aid, LBS glass, can effectively reduce the temperature and remain satisfied microwave performance. Excellent microwave dielectric properties for x?=?0.10 were obtained with 1.0?wt% glass: ε_r =?70.16, Q×f =?4153?GHz (at 4?GHz), τ_f =?-0.65?ppm/℃ when sintered at 925?℃ for 2?h.     

Investigation on phase structure,spectral characteristics,microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li2Zn[Ti1-x(Co1/3Nb2/3)x]3O8 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics

In this paper, a series of Li₂Zn[Ti_1-x(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)_x]₃O₈ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics were prepared via the conventional solid-state method. The influences of (Co_1/3Nb_2/3)⁴⁺ complex ions on the phase composition, spectral characteristics, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of Li₂Zn[Ti_1-x(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)_x]₃O₈ ceramics were studied systematically. XRD analysis accompanied with Rietveld refinements showed that pure Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ solid solution ceramics with the cubic spinel structure were obtained at x = 0.2–0.4. New Raman-active mode of about 858 cm⁻¹ should be attributed to the vibrations of NbO₆ due to the high bond energy of Nb–O bonds, exerting a certain impact on the structure and performance of Li₂Zn[Ti_1-x(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)_x]₃O₈ ceramics. XPS results indicated that Nb⁵⁺ ion donor suppressed the deoxidation process and therefore resulted in the disappearance of Ti³⁺ ion and oxygen vacancy. The downward trend variation in the ε_r value with the increase of (Co_1/3Nb_2/3)⁴⁺ content could be explained by the presence of “compressed” cations and “rattling” cations effect. In addition, the Q × f of the current ceramics was closely dependent on relative density, grain size, FWHM, and oxygen vacancy. Good combined microwave dielectric properties of ε_r = 24.5, Q × f = 91,250 GHz, and τ_f = −16.8 ppm/°C were achieved for the Li₂Zn[Ti_0.8(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)_0.2]₃O₈ ceramic sintered at 1120 °C. High quality factor gives evidence that the Li₂Zn[Ti_0.8(Co_1/3Nb_2/3)_0.2]₃O₈ ceramic is an appealing candidate for highly selective microwave devices.     

Composition dependent structure,dielectric and energy storage properties of Pb(Tm1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics

In order to stabilize the perovskite structure and improve the storage energy density (U) of Pb(Tm_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃ (PTmN) based materials, Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (PMN) was introduced into PTmN to form binary (1-x)PTmN-xPMN solid solution ceramics. The XRD patterns show that all the compositions belong to orthorhombic phase with space group Pbnm. The Curie temperature (T_C) gradually decreases while the dielectric constant (ε') increases for (1-x)PTmN-xPMN with increasing PMN content. The ε' of each composition above T_C obeys the Curie-Weiss law. The appearance double hysteresis loop confirms the antiferroelectric nature of (1-x)PTmN-xPMN (x = 0.02–0.18) ceramics. With the increase of PMN concentration, the maximum polarization slowly increases from 8.58 μC/cm² to 29.5 μC/cm² while the threshold electric field (E_A-F) gradually declines from 290 kV/cm to 120 kV/cm. The maximum of U (3.12 J/cm³) is obtained in 0.92PTmN-0.08PMN ceramic with moderate E_A-F = 220 kV/cm, which makes (1-x)PTmN-xPMN ceramics safe in practical application.     

Investigation of the microwave dielectric properties of the Li4x/3Zn2−2xTi1+2x/3O4 system by P–V–L theory and vibration spectroscopy

Li_4x/3Zn_2–2xTi_1+2x/3O₄ microwave dielectric ceramics with a spinel phase were prepared via a high-temperature solid-phase method. P–V–L theory, vibration spectra, and XPS were utilized to establish the links between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors and the microwave dielectric properties. According to the characterization, the change in permittivity (ε_r) was ascribed to the increase in the average bond ionicity of Ti–O(Af_iTi-O) and the polar mode of the lattice vibration; the change in quality factor(Q × f) resulted from the change in the Ti–O lattice energy (AU_Ti-O) and existence of oxygen vacancy; the increase in temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency (τ_f) was triggered by the increase in the Ti–O bond energy. The Li_0.6Zn_1.1Ti_1.3O₄ ceramics (x = 0.45) sintered at 1125 °C finally obtained optimal microwave dielectric constants of ε_r = 17.3, Q × f = 76,318 GHz and τ_f = -58 ppm/°C.     

Structure and microwave dielectric properties of 1:1 ordered Nd[(Mg1-xZnx)1/2Ti1/2]O3 complex perovskite ceramics

Nd[(Mg_1-xZn_x)_1/2Ti_1/2]O₃ perovskite ceramics (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) are prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The effects of Zn²⁺ substitution on the structure, microstructure, especially the B-site 1:1 cation ordering and microwave dielectric properties have been investigated. Sintered Nd[(Mg_1-xZn_x)_1/2Ti_1/2]O₃ ceramics all adopt dense microstructure, along with increased dimensional uniformity as Zn²⁺ substitution. All the ceramics are confirmed to have B-site 1:1 ordered monoclinic perovskite structure with P2₁/n space group. Atomic mass difference of B-site elements might be an important factor affecting the B-site 1:1 cation ordering. HRSTEM observation suggest that the doped Zn²⁺ cations have roughly entered the Mg²⁺ sites to promote 1:1 cation ordering. The degree of the 1:1 cation ordering can be negatively reflected by the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of F_2g(B) mode at 372 cm^?1 in Raman spectra. With Zn²⁺ doping, the degree of the 1:1 cation ordering first increases then decreases, and reaches its maximum at x = 0.6. Meanwhile the best combination of microwave dielectric properties is obtained, as ε_r = 31.4, Q × f = 74,000 GHz, τ_f = ?44 ppm/°C. It is found that the long-range ordering not only decreases the dielectric loss but also affects the dielectric constant, providing a theoretical foundation to understand further the correlation between ionic configuration and microwave dielectric properties.     

Effects of W6+ substitution on crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties of Li3Mg2NbO6 ceramics

Li₃Mg₂(Nb_1-xW_x)O_6+x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) ceramics were synthesized by the solid-state reaction route. The effects of W⁶⁺ substitution on the phase composition, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Li₃Mg₂NbO₆ ceramics were investigated systematically. The XRD results showed that all the samples formed a pure solid solution in the whole doping range. The SEM iamges and relative density revealed the dense structure of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_1-xW_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics. The relationship between the crystal structure and dielectric properties of Li₃Mg₂(Nb_1-xW_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics was researched through polarizability, average bond valence, and bond energy. The substitution of W⁶⁺ for Nb⁵⁺ in Li₃Mg₂(Nb_1-xW_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics significantly promoted the Q × f values. In addition, the increase of W⁶⁺ content improved the thermal stability of the Li₃Mg₂(Nb_1-xW_x)O_6+x/2 ceramics. The Li₃Mg₂(Nb_0.94W_0.06)O_6.03 ceramics sintered at 1175 °C for 6h possessed excellent properties: ε_r ~ 15.82, Q × f ~ 124,187 GHz, τ_f ~ −18.28 ppm/°C.     

High-Qf value and temperature stable Zn2+-Mn4+ cooperated modified cordierite-based microwave and millimeter-wave dielectric ceramics

Cordierite-based dielectric ceramics with a lower dielectric constant would have significant application potential as dielectric resonator and filter materials for future ultra-low-latency 5G/6G millimeter-wave and terahertz communication. In this article, the phase structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Mg₂Al_4–2x(Mn_0.5Zn_0.5)_2xSi₅O₁₈ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics are studied by crystal structure refinement, scanning electron microscope (SEM), the theory of complex chemical bonds and infrared reflectance spectrum. Meanwhile, complex double-ions coordinated substitution and two-phase complex methods were used to improve its Q×f value and adjust its temperature coefficient. The Q×f values of Mg₂Al_4–2x(Mn_0.5Zn_0.5)_2xSi₅O₁₈ single-phase ceramics are increased from 45,000 GHz@14.7 GHz (x = 0) to 150,500 GHz@14.5 GHz (x = 0.15) by replacing Al³⁺ with Zn²⁺-Mn⁴⁺. The positive frequency temperature coefficient additive TiO₂ is used to prepare the temperature stable Mg₂Al_3.7(Mn_0.5Zn_0.5)_0.3Si₅O₁₈-ywt%TiO₂ composite ceramic. The composite ceramic of Mg₂Al_3.7(Mn_0.5Zn_0.5)_0.3Si₅O₁₈-ywt%TiO₂ (8.7 wt% ≤ y ≤ 10.6 wt%) presents the near-zero frequency temperature coefficient at 1225 °C sintering temperature: ε_r = 5.68, Q×f = 58,040 GHz, τ_f = ?3.1 ppm/°C (y = 8.7 wt%) and ε_r = 5.82, Q×f = 47,020 GHz, τ_f = +2.4 ppm/°C (y = 10.6 wt%). These findings demonstrate promising application prospects for 5 G and future microwave and millimeter-wave wireless communication technologies.     

Effect of Sr(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 modification on the energy storage performance of BaTiO3 ceramics

Lead-free (1-x)BaTiO₃-xSr(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (abbreviated as BT-xSZN, x = 0–0.08) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were prepared using the traditional solid phase technology, and the effects of SZN modification on their phase structures, microstructures, dielectric performance, ferroelectricity and energy storage performance were studied in detail. A pure perovskite phase was observed in the BT-xSZN ceramics. The BT-based ceramics modified by SZN exhibited refined grain size. As the SZN content was increased, the breakdown strength initially increased and then decreased, and the ferroelectric loops gradually became ‘slim’. The BT-xSZN (x = 0.07) ceramics demonstrated a favourable energy storage performance with high recoverable energy density (W_rec = ~1.45 J/cm³) and energy storage efficiency (η = ~83.12%) at 260 kV/cm. Results indicate that the energy storage performance of BaTiO₃ ceramics modified by SZN can be remarkably improved, widening their applications in energy storage at low temperatures.     

The effect of co-substitution on the microwave dielectric properties of Ba6-3xNd8+2xTi18O54(x=2/3) ceramics

In this work, the microwave dielectric properties of Ba₄(Nd_1-yBi_y)_28/3Ti_18-x(Al_1/2Ta_1/2)_xO₅₄(0≤x≤2, 0.05≤y≤0.2) ceramics co-substituted by A/B-site were studied. Firstly, (Al_1/2Ta_1/2)⁴⁺ was used for substitution at B-site. At 0≤x≤1.5, the above mentioned ceramic was found to exist in single-phase tungsten bronze structure, but at x = 2.0, the secondary phase appeared. Although the dielectric constant decreased by doping the (Al_1/2Ta_1/2)⁴⁺, but the quality factor was observed to improve by 40% and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency decreased by 75%. Based on the above results, Bi³⁺ was introduced to Ba₄Nd_28/3Ti₁₇(Al_1/2Ta_1/2)O₅₄. The introduction of Bi³⁺ reduced the sintering temperature, greatly improved the dielectric constant, and ultimately decreased the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, but it led to deterioration of quality factor. At last, with appropriate site-substitution content control (x = 1.0,y = 0.15), excellent comprehensive properties (ε_r = 89.0, Q × f = 5844 GHz @ 5.89 GHz，TCF = +8.7 ppm/°C) were obtained for the samples sintered at 1325 °C for 4 h.     

Low-loss and ultra-low temperature sintering microwave dielectrics of pure and Ag-modified K2Mg2(MoO4)3 ceramics

Novel K_2–2xAg_2xMg₂(MoO₄)₃ (x = 0–0.09) ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state sintering method. Based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, all samples were identified to belong to an orthorhombic structure with a space group of P212121(19). The pure phase K₂Mg₂(MoO₄)₃ specimen when sintered at 590 °C revealed the favorable microwave dielectric properties: ε_r of 6.91, Q×f of 21,900 GHz and τ_f of ?164 ppm/°C. The substitution of Ag⁺ for K⁺ in K_2–2xAg_2xMg₂(MoO₄)₃ (x = 0.01–0.09) ceramics led to the more stable structure and dramatically enhanced the Q×f to a value of 54,900 GHz at 500 °C. The microwave dielectric properties were related to the relative density, microstructure, ionic polarization, lattice energy, packing fraction, and bond valence of the ceramics. It was suggested that for ultra-low temperature co-fired ceramic (ULTCC) applications, K_1.86Ag_0.14Mg₂(MoO₄)₃ ceramic could be sintered at 500 °C, which revealed an excellent combination of microwave dielectric properties (ε_r =7.34, Q×f =54,900 GHz and τ_f =–156 ppm/°C) and good chemical compatibility with aluminum electrodes.