Composition-dependent xBa(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-(1-x)(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 bulk ceramics for high energy storage applications

This work reports the composition dependent microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties, and the phase transitions sequence of lead free xBa(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃-(1-x)(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ [xBZT-(1-x)BCT] ceramics, with x?=?0.4, 0.5 and 0.6, prepared by solid state reaction method. The XRD and Raman scattering results confirm the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases at room temperature (RT). The temperature dependence of Raman scattering spectra, dielectric permittivity and polarization points a first phase transition from ferroelectric rhombohedral phase to ferroelectric tetragonal phase at a temperature (T_R-T) of 40?°C and a second phase transition from ferroelectric tetragonal phase - paraelectric pseudocubic phase at a temperature (T_T-C) of 110?°C. The dielectric analysis suggests that the phase transition at T_T-C is of diffusive type and the BZT-BCT ceramics are a relaxor type ferroelectric materials. The composition induced variation in the temperature dependence of dielectric losses was correlated with full width half maxima (FWHM) of A₁, E(LO) Raman mode. The saturation polarization (P_s) ≈8.3?μC/cm² and coercive fields ≈2.9?kV/cm were found to be optimum at composition x?=?0.6 and is attributed to grain size effect. It is also shown that BZT-BCT ceramics exhibit a fatigue free response up to 10⁵ cycles. The effect of a.c. electric field amplitude and temperature on energy storage density and storage efficiency is also discussed. The presence of high T_T-C (110?°C), a high dielectric constant (ε_r ≈?12,285) with low dielectric loss (0.03), good polarization (P_s ≈?8.3?μC/cm²) and large recoverable energy density (W?=?121?mJ/cm³) with an energy storage efficiency (η) of 70% at an electric field of 25?kV/cm in 0.6BZT-0.4BCT ceramics make them suitable candidates for energy storage capacitor applications.     

High energy-storage properties of [(Bi1/2Na1/2)0.94 Ba0.06] La(1−x) ZrxTiO3 lead-free anti-ferroelectric ceramics

Energy-storage properties of [(Bi_1/2Na_1/2)_0.94Ba_0.06]La_(1−x)Zr_xTiO₃ (BNT-BLZT, x=0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) lead-free anti-ferroelectric ceramics fabricated via the conventional sintering technique were first investigated. Calculation from the X-ray diffraction results reveals that BNT-BLZT ceramic possesses a single perovskite structure phase. In addition, the P–E hysteresis loops measured at room temperature show that the BNT-BLZT (x=0.02) ceramics obtain the maximum P value of 37.5 μC/cm² and the largest energy-storage density W_max is 1.58 J/cm³. The temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity ε_r and dielectric loss tanδ illustrate that the addition of Zr can improve the piezoelectric properties of BT-BLZT ceramics. These properties indicate that BNT-BLZT ceramics might be a promising lead-free anti-ferroelectric material for energy storage application.     

Effect of Eu doping on structure and electrical properties of lead-free (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 ceramics

Eu-doped (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ (BNBT6-xEu, x=0.00–2.00 at%) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been synthesized by the solution combustion method. The effect of Eu doping concentration on the phase structure, microstructure and electrical properties of BNBT6 ceramics has been investigated. The XRD analysis confirms that the europium additive incorporates into the BNBT6 lattice and results in a phase transition from the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases to a more symmetric pseudocubic phase. The SEM images indicate that the europium additive has little effect on the ceramic microstructure and the average grain size is about 2.0 μm. The electrical properties of BNBT6 ceramics can be improved by appropriate Eu doping. The 0.25 at% Eu doped BNBT6 ceramic presents excellent electrical properties: piezoelectric constant d₃₃=149 pC/N, remnant polarization P_r=40.27 μC/cm², coercive field E_c=2.95 kV/mm, dielectric constant ε_r=1658 and dissipation factor tan δ=0.0557 (10 kHz).     

MgO-modified Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6 ceramics for energy storage applications

We explored the phase structure, microstructure, dielectric and energy storage properties of MgO-modified strontium barium niobate Sr_0.7Ba_0.3Nb₂O₆-xwt%MgO (SBNMx; x?=?0–5) ceramics fabricated via conventional solid-state sintering precess. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates Mg²⁺ incorporates into lattice at x?=?0.5 and secondary phases come into formation for samples at x?≥?1, which results in the decrease of dielectric constant. There is also significant reduction of dielectric loss up to 0.002. Compared with pure SBN ceramics, the grain size of SBNMx ceramics becomes denser and more uniform, moreover, the dielectric breakdown strength shows increasing trend from 137?kV/cm to 226?kV/cm, which is in favor of the energy storage. SBNM0.5 ceramics presents the optimal energy storage performance: energy storage density of 0.93?J/cm³ and energy storage efficiency of 89.4% at 157?kV/cm, indicating that SBNM ceramics are prospective candidates for high voltage capacitor applications.     

Structural and functional properties of sol-gel synthesized and microwave heated Pb0.8 Co0.2-zLazTiO3 (z = 0.05–0.2) nanoparticles

The present work reports the effect of La-substitution on structural and functional properties of lead cobalt titanate (PCT) perovskite structure as a function of variation of Co-content. The sol-gel synthesized and microwave heated Pb_0.8 Co_0.2-zLa_zTiO₃ (z?=?0.05, 0.1, 0.15 & 0.2) (PCLT) nanoparticles showed the presence of complete cubic phases while few were noted to be tetragonal lead titanate (PT) phases. The surface morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The HRTEM revealed fibers like nanoparticles at z?=?0.15 and 0.2. The Fourier transform infrared spectra attributed the presence of metal oxide bonds. Furthermore, the wide optical band gap energy (E_op) was acquired to be changing from 2.32 to 3.20?eV. In addition, the electrical parameters such as dielectric constant (ε'), dielectric loss (ε"), ac & dc-electrical conductivity (σ_ac & σ_dc), complex dielectric modulus (M^*) and complex impedance (Z^*) were studied as a function of frequency (f) and composition. Using power law fitting, the σ_dc values were determined. The z?=?0.15 content exhibited high σ_dc of ~ 2.51?×?10^?7 S/cm among all compositions. Besides, the results expressed the existence of short range and long range hopping conduction regions in dielectric modulus spectra. The Nyquist plots were drawn to elucidate the electrical conduction and relaxation mechanism. Later on, ferroelectric hysteresis loops were recorded for z?=?0.05–0.2.     

Effect of Zn and Ti Co-doping on structure and electrical properties of BiFeO3 ceramics

In this paper, the effect of Zn and Ti co-doping on the structure, dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) ceramics have been studied. Co-doped BFO ceramics with different doping concentrations are prepared by using the sol-gel method. The structure, morphology and electrical properties of co-doped BFO ceramics are studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, impedance analyzer and ferroelectric test analysis system. Furthermore, the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) is used to investigate the magnetic properties. The structural transition from rhombohedral to tetragonal-like phase is observed with a high level of co-doping (x = 2.5%). In addition, higher content of Zn and Ti results in enhanced dielectric constant (ε) and reduced dielectric loss (tanδ). The highest remnant polarization of 0.4 μC/cm² and coercive electric field of 15.5?kV/cm is demonstrated at x = 2.5%. The enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties can be attributed to the formation of defect complexes due to the Zn and Ti substitution.     

Ultra-stable X9R type CaCu3-xZnxTi4.1O12 ceramics

CaCu_3-xZn_xTi_4.1O₁₂ (x?=?0.00, 0.05 and 0.10) precursor powders were prepared by the polymer pyrolysis (PP) solution method. Ultra-stable X9R type capacitor with very low loss tangent (tanδ) ~0.017 varied within a value of less than 0.05 in a wide temperature range of ?60 to 150?°C and high dielectric constants (ε^′) ~9200 with Δε′ ≤?±?15% in a wide temperature range of ?60 to 210?°C was achieved in CaCu_2.95Zn_0.05Ti_4.1O₁₂ (Zn05-1) ceramic obtained by sintering the precursor powder (x?=?0.05) at 1060?°C for 8?h. A major role for the validity of ε^′ and tanδ in these wider temperature ranges was suggested to originated from the very high grain boundary resistance (R_gb ~413,190?Ω?cm), resulting from the effect of Zn²⁺ doping and TiO₂-rich at grain boundary. With the excellent dielectric properties of (Zn05-1) ceramic, it was suggested to be applied for X8R and X9R capacitors. Interestingly, improvements of nonlinear properties with very high nonlinear coefficient (α ~ 25.94) and breakdown field (E_b~ 3146.25?V.cm^?1) values were achieved in (Zn05-1) ceramic, as well.     

Crystal structure,impedance and broadband dielectric spectra of ordered scheelite-structured Bi(Sc1/3Mo2/3)O4 ceramic

Bi(Sc_1/3Mo_2/3)O₄ ceramics were prepared via solid state reaction method. It crystallized with an ordered scheelite-related structure (a?=?16.9821(9)?Å, b?=?11.6097(3)?Å, c?=?5.3099(3)?Å and β?=?104.649(2)°) with a space group C12/C1, in which Bi³⁺, Sc³⁺ and Mo⁶⁺ are ?8, ?6 and ?4 coordinated, respectively. Bi(Sc_1/3Mo_2/3)O₄ ceramics were densifiedat 915?°C, giving a permittivity (ε_r) ～24.4, quality factor (Qf, Q?=?1/dielectric loss, f?=?resonant frequency) ～48, 100?GHz and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF)?～??68?ppm/°C. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that there was only a bulk response for conductivity with activation energy (E_a) ～0.97?eV, suggesting the compound is electrically and chemically homogeneous. Wide band dielectric spectra were employed to study the dielectric response of Bi(Sc_1/3Mo_2/3)O₄ from 20?Hz to 30?THz. ε_r was stable from 20?Hz to the GHz region, in which only ionic and electron displacive polarization contributed to the?ε_r.     

Enhanced ferroelectric,magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of multiferroic BiFeO3–BaTiO3–LaFeO3 ceramics

A lead–free multiferroic ceramic 0.7BiFeO₃–0.3BaTiO₃ showed strong ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, but weak magnetic and magnetoelectric properties. We herein expected that the electrical and magnetic properties of 0.7BiFeO₃–0.3BaTiO₃ ceramics could be enhanced by introducing LaFeO₃. (0.7–x) BiFeO₃–0.3BaTiO₃–xLaFeO₃ (x?=?0–0.2) were synthesized by solid-state reaction. All the ceramics formed a perovskite structure, and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between rhombohedral and orthorhombic phases formed at x?=?0.025. The ceramics with MPB composition had high unipolar strain (S_max = 0.14%), piezoelectricity (d₃₃ = 223 pC/N, d₃₃ * = 350?pm/V), ferroelectricity (P_r = 25.67 mC/cm²) and magnetoelectricity (a_ME = 466.6?mV/cm·Oe), which can be attributed to addition of La ions. The improved phase angle also demonstrated augmentation of ferroelectricity on the microscopic view. The ferromagnetism was evidently improved after LaFeO₃ doping, and the remanent magnetization M_r increased from 0.0207 to 0.0622?emu/g with rising x from 0 to 0.075. In conclusion, with strong magnetoelectric properties, the prepared ceramics may be applicable as promising lead–free multiferroic ceramic materials for novel electronic devices.     

Structure and electrical properties of Ca2+-doped (Na0.47Bi0.47Ba0.06)TiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

The lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (Na_.47Bi_.47Ba_.06)_1-xCa_xTiO₃ (x?=?0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.08, abbreviated as BNBTC/0, BNBTC/1, BNBTC/2, BNBTC/3, BNBTC/5, and BNBTC/8, respectively) were obtained using the solid-state reaction method. The structure, electric conductivity, and dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of the Ca²⁺-doped (Na_.47Bi_.47Ba_.06)TiO₃ ceramics were thoroughly investigated. The ceramics sintered at 1200?°C exhibit dense microstructures, having relative densities higher than 96%. The X-ray diffraction results demonstrate that all ceramics have a pure perovskite structure. The mean grain sizes of the ceramics are related to the Ca²⁺ quantity. A small quantity of Ca²⁺ ions (x?≤?0.03) improves the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the samples. The dielectric behavior of the samples is sensitive to the Ca²⁺ content and electric poling. The results demonstrate that the electrical properties of the (Na_.47Bi_.47Ba_.06)TiO₃ lead-free ceramics can be well tuned by varying the Ca²⁺ quantity.     

Combining high energy efficiency and fast charge-discharge capability in novel BaTiO3-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramic for energy-storage

Compared with the other types of ceramic capacitors, relaxor ferroelectric ceramics demonstrate superior potential in energy-storage fields due to their higher energy efficiency, faster charge-discharge rate, and better temperature stability. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel high performance BaTiO₃-based ((1-x)BaTiO₃-xBi(Ni_2/3Nb_1/3)O₃, x?=?0.08, 0.10, 0.12, and 0.14) energy-storing ceramics through ferroelectric properties modulation, which display typical relaxor characteristics. The optimum energy storage properties, i.e. ultrahigh energy efficiency (95.9%), high energy-storage density (2.09?J?cm^?3) and good temperature stability (the fluctuations in energy-storage properties are less than 5% over 20–120?°C) are obtained at x?=?0.12 (0.88BT-0.12BNN). The 0.88BT-0.12BNN relaxor ferroelectric ceramic demonstrates obviously superior comprehensive energy-storage properties than most of other unleaded ceramics. Besides, investigation efforts were also spent on the pulsed charge-discharge performance of the 0.88BT-0.12BNN ceramic to evaluate its feasibility as energy-storage devices. More importantly, the 0.88BT-0.12BNN ceramic also exhibits outstanding charge-discharge performance with fast discharge rate (t_0.9 <?100?ns), a high level of power density (36.9?MW?cm^?3), and good temperature stability. These excellent performance parameters qualify this novel and environmentally friendly BaTiO₃-based ceramic as a promising alternative option in energy-storage section. Meanwhile, this study also provides an effective approach to attain high energy-storage density as well as energy efficiency in BaTiO₃-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics.     

Effects of (Cr0.5Ta0.5)4+ on structure and microwave dielectric properties of Ca0.61Nd0.26TiO3 ceramics

The Ca_0.61Nd_0.26Ti_1-x(Cr_0.5Ta_0.5)_xO₃ (CNT-CTx) ceramics with orthorhombic perovskite structure were prepared using the conventional solid-state method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were employed to investigate the correlations between crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties of CNT-CTx ceramics. The XRD results showed that all CNT-CTx samples were crystallized into the orthorhombic perovskite structure. The SEM micrographs indicated that the average grain size of samples depended on the sintering temperature. As (Cr_0.5Ta_0.5)⁴⁺ concentration increased, there was a significant decrease in the average grain size of samples. The short range order (SRO) structure and structural distortion of oxygen octahedra proved to exist in CNT-CTx crystals according to the analysis of Raman spectra results. The microwave dielectric properties highly depended on the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Raman spectra, oxygen octahedra distortion, reduction of Ti⁴⁺ to Ti³⁺ and bond valence. At last, the CNT-CT0.05 ceramic sintered at 1420?°C for 4?h exhibited the good and stable comprehensive microwave dielectric properties: relative permittivity of 96.5, quality factor of 14,360?GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of +153.3?ppm/°C.     

Ferroelectric and dielectric behaviors of sol-gel derived perovskite PMN-PT/PZT heterostructures via compositional development: An interface-dependent study

Phase-pure perovskite 0.67Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.33PbTiO₃/Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ (PMN-PT/PZT) heterostructures were prepared via compositional development using a sol-gel route. Interface-dependent microstructure, insulating, ferroelectric and dielectric performance were investigated. Relatively enhanced ferroelectricity (P_r?=?21.81 μC/cm², E_c?=?61.88?kV/cm) and dielectricity (ε_r?=?1959, tanδ?=?0.0152) were obtained for the heterostructure with the maximum number of interfaces (7 interfaces, namely F-7 type). Presumably, this behavior is due to the reduced leakage current density (10^?9–10^?8 A/cm² at ±400?kV/cm), which arises from columnar grain growth mode with more depletion layers generated between different compositions acting as a potential barrier for the movement of free carriers. A simplified equivalent circuit is used to provide a comprehensive explanation of the enhanced performance mechanism. These results highlight inherent issues in designing structures with specific interfaces and provide a new approach for designing high-performance PMN-PT-based thin film.     

Effects of structural characteristics on microwave dielectric properties of low-loss (Zn1-xNix)ZrNbTaO8 ceramics

Low-loss (Zn_1-xNi_x)ZrNbTaO₈ (0.02?≤?x?≤?0.10) ceramics possessing single wolframite structure are initiatively synthesized by solid-state route. Based on the results of Rietveld refinement, complex chemical bond theory is used to establish the correlation between structural characteristics and microwave performance in this ceramic system. A small amount of Ni²⁺ (x?=?0.06) in A-site with the fixed substitution of Ta⁵⁺ in B-site can effectually raise the Q?×?f value of ZnZrNb₂O₈ ceramic, embodying a dense microstructure and high lattice energy. The dielectric constant and τ_f are mainly affected by bond ionicity and the average octahedral distortion. The (Zn_0.94Ni_0.06)ZrNbTaO₈ ceramic sample sintered at 1150?°C for 3?h exhibits an outstanding combination of microwave dielectric properties: ε_r =?27.88, Q?×?f?=?128,951?GHz, τ_f =?–39.9?ppm/°C. Thus, it is considered to be a candidate material for the communication device applications at high frequency.     

Tailoring structural and electrical properties of A-site nonstoichiometric Na0.5Bi0.5(Ti0.97Ni0.03)O3 ferroelectric films deposited on LaNiO3(100)/Si substrate

Highly (l00)-oriented Ni-doped Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ (NBTNi) thin films with different A-site cation nonstoichiometry were deposited on the LaNiO₃ (100)/Si substrates. We find that low levels of Na/Bi nonstoichiometry in the original composition of NBTNi films have obvious influence on the crystal structure and ferro-/dielectric properties. Na deficiency or Bi excess can lower the leakage current compared to the stoichiometric sample due to the decreased oxide-site vacancies. However, the mechanisms for the two types of films are different. That is, the mobile oxygen vacancies are tied by the Na vacancies in Na deficiency film whereas the formation of oxygen vacancies is suppressed for Bi-rich film. A good combination of ferroelectric property (P_r = 22.7?μC/cm²) and dielectric property (ε_r = 360 and tan?δ?=?0.11) can be achieved in Bi-rich NBTNi (Na_0.5Bi_0.54TNi) film. Besides, the effect of voltage and frequency on the capacitance and dielectric tunability for the Na_0.5Bi_0.54TNi film is investigated solely. These results show that NBT-based thin film is quite flexible in A-site nonstoichiometry, which provides a broad space for performance improvement.     

Correlation between structural,ferroelectric, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3-xBaTi0.8Zr0.2O3 (x = 0.45, 0.55) ceramics

We report on the correlation between structural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the (1-x)Ba_0.7Ca_0.3TiO₃-xBaTi_0.8Zr_0.2O₃ (x?=?0.45, 0.55; abbreviated as 55BCT30 and 45BCT30) ceramics close to morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region. The 55BCT30 and 45BCT30 ceramics were synthesized by the standard, high-temperature solid state ceramic method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) along with Rietveld refinement indicate that the 55BCT30 ceramics exhibit rhombohedral (R, space group R3m), orthorhombic (O, space group Amm2) and tetragonal (T, space group P4mm) phases while 45BCT30 ceramics exhibit only T and O phases. The temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements confirm the structure and phase transformations observed from XRD. All the ceramics are chemically homogeneous and exhibit a dense microstructure with a grain size of 5–7?µm. The presence of polarization-electric field and strain-electric field hysteresis loops confirm the ferroelectric and piezoelectric nature of the ceramics. The polarization current density-electric field curves show the presence of two sharp peaks in opposite directions indicating the presence of two stable states with opposite polarity. Higher values of direct piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃ ~?360 pC/N) were observed due to the existence of low energy barrier near MPB region and polymorphism. The 55BCT30 ceramics exhibit a higher value of electrostrictive coefficient (Q₃₃ ~?0.1339?m⁴/C²) compared to the well-known lead-based materials. The temperature dependent dielectric measurements indicate the O to T phase transition for 55BCT30 and 45BCT30. These ceramics exhibit a Curie temperature (T_c) of 380?K with a dielectric maximum of ~ 4500.     

Highly transparent Yb:Y2O3 ceramics obtained by solid-state reaction and combined sintering procedures

(Y_0.87-xLa_0.1Zr_0.03Yb_x)₂O₃ (x?=?0.02, 0.04, 0.05) transparent ceramics were obtained by solid-state reaction and combined sintering procedures with La₂O₃ and ZrO₂ as sintering additives. A method based on two-step intermediate sintering in air followed by vacuum sintering was applied in order to control the densification and grain growth of the samples during the final sintering process. The results indicate that La₂O₃ and ZrO₂ co-additives can improve the microstructure and optical properties of Yb:Y₂O₃ ceramics at relatively low sintering temperature. On the other hand, the addition of Zr⁴⁺ ions leads to the formation of dispersed scattering volumes in the ceramic bodies. Transmittance of 78.8% was measured for the 2.0?at% Yb:Y₂O₃ ceramic sample at the wavelength of 1100?nm. The spectroscopic properties of Yb:Y₂O₃ ceramics were investigated at room temperature. The obtained results show that the absorption cross-section at 978?nm is in the range of 2.08?×?10^–20 to 2.36?×?10^–20 cm², whereas the emission cross-section at 1032?nm is ~1.0?×?10^–20 cm².     

Enhanced electrical properties in Nd and Ce co-doped CaBi4Ti4O15 high temperature piezoceramics

Lead-free piezoelectric material with excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature is necessary for practical applications. In this work, (Nd, Ce) co-doped CaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ (CBT) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction technique. The effect of (Nd, Ce) co-doping on the structure and resulting electrical properties of CBT ceramics was systematically investigated. The optimized comprehensive performances were obtained at x?=?0.075 with a large piezoelectric coefficient (19 pC/N), a low dielectric loss (0.073%) and a high Curie temperature (794?°C). More importantly, the ceramic also maintained a very high resistance and a low dielectric loss even at 400?°C (ρ?=?2.5?×?10⁸ Ω?cm, tan δ?=?1.96%) and the d₃₃ showed no sign of waning after annealed at 400?°C, which shows great potential for high temperature piezoelectric device applications. Related mechanisms for the enhancement of electrical properties were discussed.     

Structural and electrical properties of 0.56Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.10Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.34PbTiO3 ceramics prepared by different ceramic processings

The ternary system of 0.56Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.10Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.34PbTiO₃ (0.56PNN-0.10PZN-0.34PT) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method via straight mixed oxide method, columbite precursor method and B-site oxide mixing route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement demonstrated that both the tetragonal and rhombohedral phases coexist in the B-site oxide mixing route prepared ceramics accompanied by the largest content of perovskite phase of 95.18%. The 0.56PNN-0.10PZN-0.34PT ceramics prepared by the straight mixed oxide method and the B-site oxide mixing route exhibit rather homogeneous microstructure. As a comparison, in the columbite precursor method prepared ceramics nebulous granules and octahedral or other polyhedral morphology grains are observed. All the sintered ceramics exhibit diffused ferroelectric phase transition where the dielectric response peaks are broad, diffused and strongly frequency dependent. However, the temperature of dielectric maximum (T_m) increases greatly from 398.0 K of the 0.56PNN-0.10PZN-0.34PT ceramics prepared by the B-site oxide mixing route to 423.3 K of the ones prepared by the straight mixed oxide method. Saturated and symmetric P-E hysteresis loops are observed in all the sintered ceramics, where the B-site oxide mixing route prepared ceramics exhibit large value of remanent polarization (P_r) of 17.13 μC/cm² and the least value of coercive field (E_c) of 11.99 kV/cm. Piezoelectric constant (d₃₃) exhibits the largest value of 449 pC/N for the ceramics prepared by the B-site oxide mixing route. Such results are related to the phase composition, density and porosity of the ceramics.     

Enhanced piezoelectric properties and electrical resistivity in W/Cr co-doped CaBi2Nb2O9 high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics

W/Cr co-doped Aurivillius-type CaBi₂Nb_2-x(W_2/3Cr_1/3)_xO₉ (CBN) (x?=?0.025, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100, and 0.150) piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric properties, piezoelectric properties, and electrical conductivity of these ceramics were systematically investigated. After optimum W/Cr modification, the CBN ceramics showed both high d₃₃ and T_C. The ceramic with x?=?0.1 showed a remarkably high d₃₃ value of ~15 pC/N along with a high T_C of ~931?°C. Moreover, the ceramic also showed excellent thermal stability evident from the increase in its planar electromechanical coupling factor k_p from 8.14% at room temperature to 11.04% at 600?°C. After annealing at 900?°C for 2?h, the ceramic showed a d₃₃ value of 14?pC/N. Furthermore, at 600?°C, the ceramic also showed a relatively high resistivity of 4.9?×?10⁵ Ω?cm and a low tanδ of 9%. The results demonstrated the potential of the W/Cr co-doped CBN ceramics for high-temperature applications. We also elucidated the mechanism for the enhanced electrical properties of the ceramics.