Investigation of the crystal structure and electrical properties of La3+-doped SrBi2Ta2O9 ceramics

The layered-perovskite ferroelectric ceramics of La³⁺-doped SrBi₂Ta₂O₂ (SBT), with the chemical formula of SrBi_{(2 - x)}La_xTa₂O₉ (SBLT), have been prepared by the conventional mixed-oxide method. The effect of substitution of La³⁺ for Bi³⁺ in the crystal structure and electrical properties of SBT ceramics was explored with the aid of X-ray diffraction, (T) curve and ferroelectric hysteresis loop measurements. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant () and remanent polarization (P_r) showed a dependence on the crystal structure, and both reached maxima of 243 and 25 C cm^–2, respectively, with 6 at % La³⁺ substitution, accompanying the greatest structure change. Theoretical considerations were presented to suggest that the atomic displacements and the crystal deformation implied by the crystal structure change are responsible for the improvement of electrical properties. On the other hand, degradation of fatigue resistance was observed in SBLT ceramics, which is believed to be caused by the chemical environment change of the perovskite layers arising from La³⁺ substitution on Bi³⁺ sites.