Study of (Bi2O3)(BaxMo1−xO3) polycrystalline ceramic as relaxor ferroelectric

Solid solutions of bismuth layered (Bi₂O₃)(Ba_xMo_1−xO₃) (0.2≤x≤0.8, x is in step of 0.2) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction of the constitutive oxides at optimized temperatures with a view to study its electrical properties. Powder X-ray diffraction has been employed for physical characterization and an average grain size of ∼16 to 22 nm was obtained. XRD study reveals the single phase structure of the samples. Dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (tanδ) and ac electrical conductivity (σ_ac) of the prepared ceramics sintered at various temperatures in the frequency range 10¹–10⁷ Hz have been studied. A strong dispersion observed in the dielectric properties shows the relaxor type behavior of the ceramic. The presence of maxima in the dielectric permittivity spectra indicates the ferroelectric behavior of the samples. Impedance plots (Cole–Cole plots) at different frequencies and temperatures were used to analyze the electric behavior. The value of grain resistance increases with the increase in Ba ion concentration. The conductivity mechanism shows a frequency dependence, which can be ascribed to the space charge mainly due to the oxygen vacancies. The relaxation observed for the M″ (ω) or Z″ (ω) curves is correlated to both localized and long range conduction. A single ‘master curve’ for the normalized plots of all the modulus isotherms observed for a given composition indicates that the conductivity relaxation is temperature independent.     

Structural and dielectric properties of barium-modified SrBi4Ti4O15 ceramics

Barium-modified strontium bismuth titanate ceramics with chemical formula Sr_1?xBa_xBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1) (SBBT) have been prepared by means of solid-state reaction technique and their structural and electrical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction data confirm that all the compositions show orthorhombic structure without any deleterious phase. Scanning electron micrographs show plate like grain morphology with random orientation of platelets. The temperature-dependent dielectric study shows that the phase transition temperature decreases, but the dielectric constant increases with increase in Ba content. Complex impedance plots show that both grain and grain boundary effect on the resistance mechanisms in all the compositions. The values of the activation energy confirm that the oxygen vacancies play an important role in the conduction. The ac conductivity of SBBT ceramics increases as a function of frequency due to relaxation phenomenon which arises due to mobile charge carriers.     

Evolution of microstructure and dielectric properties of (LiCe)-doped Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9 Aurivillius type ceramics

Aurivillius type (NaBi)_0.5?x(LiCe)_xBi₂Nb₂O₉ ceramics were prepared by the standard ceramics route. The single crystal structural ceramics were achieved for all compositions and lattice distortion was decreased by (LiCe) dopants. The temperature dependent dielectric properties revealed that all compositions possess a high Curie-temperature (>780 °C). A modified Curie–Weiss relationship is used to study the diffuseness behavior of a ferroelectric phase transition indicating the degree of diffuseness of NBN-based ceramics increased with (LiCe) modifications. The degradation of resistance implied a plausible model that Ce⁴⁺ ions entered into the B-site of the pseudo-perovskite structure and acted as acceptor doping. Further investigation demonstrated that both electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation processes were associated with the oxygen vacancies produced by the substitution of Nb⁵⁺ ions by the Ce⁴⁺ ions.     

Impedance spectroscopy and conductivity studies in SrBi2(Ta1−xWx)2O9 ferroelectric ceramics

Complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) technique has been utilized to investigate the intra- and intergranular contributions to the impedance in pristine and wolframium (tungsten, W) -substituted strontium bismuth tantalate [SrBi₂(Ta_1−xW_x)₂O₉ (SBTW); x=0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1 and 0.2] ceramics as a function of temperature and frequency. CIS studies reveal that the electrical relaxation process was temperature dependent and non-Debye type. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time was found to obey the Arrhenius law. DC conductivity of the studied samples obtained from the CIS data decreased for W content upto x=0.05, followed by a subsequent increase with x>0.05. Electrical conductivity data including the typical values of the activation energies at high temperature indicated that the conductivity in the studied ceramics was essentially due to the contribution of doubly ionized oxygen vacancies to the conduction process.     

Enhanced ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties in La-modified PZT ceramics

The effect of lanthanum (La) doping on ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sample has been investigated. Pb_1?x La _x Zr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ ceramics with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.10 were prepared by the sol–gel technique. Raman and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy have been employed to understand the structural modification due to ionic size mismatch. Raman spectra show the existence of both rhombohedral and tetragonal crystal symmetries. It also shows the dielectric relaxation with increase in La concentration in the sample. The increase in lattice strain due to La doping increases the remnant polarization and coercive field. The linear piezoelectric coefficient increases with the increase in La concentration. It reveals that La-substituted PZT is a better candidate for piezoelectric sensor applications as compared to that of PZT.     

钛酸铋钡陶瓷的介电性、铁电性及对晶格结构的依赖性

采用溶胶-凝胶工艺成功制备出BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅微细粉料，并利用此微粉烧结出成瓷良好的BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅陶瓷.研究了BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅陶瓷的铁电 顺电相 变，测定了BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅的介 电特性和饱和状态下的铁电特性.所作测量表明B 关键词： 铁电性 介电性 晶格结构 溶胶 凝胶法     

Dielectric,electrical transport and magnetic properties of Er3+substituted nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite

Erbium substituted cobalt ferrite (CoFe_2−xEr_xO₄; x=0.0–0.2, referred to CFEO) materials were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method. The effect of erbium (Er³⁺) substitution on the crystal structure, dielectric, electrical transport and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite is evaluated. CoFe_2−xEr_xO₄ ceramics exhibit the spinel cubic structure without any impurity phase for x≤0.10 whereas formation of the ErFeO₃ orthoferrite secondary phase was observed for x≥0.15. All the CFEO samples demonstrate the typical hysteresis (M–H) behavior with a decrease in magnetization as a function of Er content due to weak superexchange interaction. The frequency (f) dependent dielectric constant (ε′) revealed the usual dielectric dispersion. The ε′–f dispersion (f=20 Hz to 1 MHz) fits to the modified Debye's function with more than one ion contributing to the relaxation. The relaxation time and spread factor derived are ∼10⁻⁴ s and ∼0.61(±0.04), respectively. Electrical and dielectric studies indicate that ε′ increases and the dc electrical resistivity decreases as a function of Er content (x≤0.15). Complex impedance analyses confirm only the grain interior contribution to the conduction process. Temperature dependent electrical transport and room temperature ac conductivity (σ_ac) analyses indicate the semiconducting nature and small polaron hopping.     

Variable-temperature Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction studies of Bi3.25Nd0.75Ti3O12 ceramics

Neodymium-substituted bismuth titanate (Bi_3.25Nd_0.75Ti₃O₁₂, BNT_0.75) ceramics was prepared by chemical co-precipitation along with calcinations. The lattice instability has been investigated by variable-temperature Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that there was an orthorhombic to pseudo-tetragonal phase transition at about 695 K, in terms of the evolution of temperature dependence of Raman scattering frequencies. Some changes at about 695 K in the XRD lines, the lattice parameters (a, b, and c) as well as the orthorhombic distortion b/a have been detected in the high temperature X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the conclusion that the BNT_0.75 ceramics undergoes a ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at about 695 K.     

Synthesis of bismuth titanate with urea as fuel by solution combustion route and its dielectric and ferroelectric properties

Preparation of ferroelectric bismuth titanate (Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂) is carried out by solution combustion route with urea as fuel at much lower calcinations temperatures. The single phase bismuth titanate was obtained after calcinations at 800 °C. SEM micrographs of the calcined powders show agglomerated, flaky and foamy morphology, which is typical of combustion synthesis and that of sintered ceramics shows the grain formation. Behavior of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of temperature of as-prepared sample are reported in this communication. Ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition occurs at the temperature T_c ∼ 660 °C. Its remnant polarization (2P_r) is very less of the order of 0.012 μC/cm².     

Possibility of inducing superparaelectricity in strontium bismuth titanate ceramics SrTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>: Bi

Dielectric strontium bismuth titanate ceramics SrTiO₃: Bi is a complex solid solution consisting of the Sr_1?uBi_2u/3□_u/3TiO₃ perovskite matrix and small planar inclusions related to Aurivillius-type layered ferroelectric compounds with a high Curie temperature T_C (700–950 K). The matrix is characterized by a smeared ferroelectric phase transition in the temperature range 150–200 K and exhibits relaxation dielectric polarization. At temperatures below but close to the Curie temperature T_C, the state of the ceramics can be treated as superparaelectric. The concentration dependence of the temperature corresponding to the maximum of the permittivity is explained.     

Effect of SrTiO3 on dielectric and piezoelectric properties of NBT

Composites of (1 ? x)Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃-(x)SrTiO₃, where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.9 are studied. Individual compounds are synthesized by sol gel, and composites are prepared by solid-state sintering process. Through the analysis of X-ray diffraction, lattice parameters are obtained and, from scanning electron microscope (SEM), micro-structure of the samples is observed. The depolarization temperature (T_d) and the Curie temperature (T_c) are determined from dielectric studies. Relaxor behavior of the samples is interpreted using modified Curie Weiss law. Control of polarization in sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) is achieved using strontium titanate (SrTiO₃-ST) and studied through polarization vs. electric field (PE) loops and piezoelectric measurements. The intra-granual and inter-granual effects on the electrical properties of the ceramics are studied from impedance analysis.     

The effect of CuO and NiO doping on dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 lead-free ceramics

In the present work, lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (Na_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃ –xCuO–yNiO (for x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06) have been prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. An investigation of CuO and NiO doping in bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) and a study of the structure, morphology, and dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the NBT–CuNi system have been conducted. Phase and microstructural analysis of the (Na_0.5Bi_0.5)TiO₃ (NBT) based ceramics has been carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images showed that inhibition of grain growth takes place with increasing Cu and Ni concentration. The results indicate that the co-doping of NiO and CuO is effective in improving the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of NBT ceramics. Temperature-dependent dielectric studies have also been carried out at room temperature to 400 °C at different frequencies. The NBT ceramics co-doped with x = 0.06 and y = 0.06 exhibited an excellent dielectric constant ?_r = 1514. The study suggests that there is enormous scope of application of such materials in the future for actuators, ultrasonic transducers and high-frequency piezoelectric devices.     

Structural distortion and phase transition studies of Aurivillius type Sr1−xPbxBi2Nb2O9 ferroelectric ceramics

In this paper, effects of lead doping on the lattice response and phase transitions of Sr_1−xPb_xBi₂Nb₂O₉ (x=0.0-0.5 in steps of 0.1) ferroelectric ceramics are reported. It is observed that structure attains more tetragonality with doping of lead up to 40%. Increased orthorhombic distortion is observed for undoped SBN and 50 at.% lead substituted SBN. Phase transitions for all samples were studied using Curie temperature measurements and are explained in terms of lattice response of these ceramics. Sample with x=0.5 shows decreased tetragonal strain and Curie temperature. Relationship of polarization with lattice response is discussed.     

Effect of the Sintering Temperature on the Formation of Ferroelectric Properties of a Lead Zirconate–Titanate Ceramic

Effect of the sintering temperature on the formation of the microstructure, the domain structure, and the ferroelectric properties of a lead zirconate–titanate Pb(Ti _x Zr_{1 – x})O₃ piezoelectric ceramics has been studied. It is shown that the ferroelectric phase forms at a sintering temperature of 860°C. At higher sintering temperatures, the main effect on the properties is due to a unit cell deformation and free charge carriers.     

Phase formation and electrical properties of BNLT–BZT lead-free piezoelectric ceramic system

Phase formation study in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics based on lanthanum doped bismuth sodium titanate (Bi_0.4871Na_0.4871La_0.0172TiO₃:BNLT) and zirconium doped barium titanate (BaZr_0.05Ti_0.95O₃:BZT), has been carried out in the system of (1−x)BNLT–xBZT where x = 0.0–1.0, by two-step mixed oxide method. It was observed that the addition of BZT in the BNLT ceramics developed the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics with the optimum piezoelectric constant (d₃₃) and dielectric constant (ε_r) at room temperature of about 138 pC/N and 1651, respectively, from the 0.2 BNLT to 0.8 BZT ceramic sample. The Curie temperature (T_C) of this ceramic was found at 295 °C which is 195 °C higher than that of pure BZT ceramics, promising the use of this ceramic in a higher range of temperature.     

Lanthanum-doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics prepared by high-pressure technique

We present an effective way in this paper to increase the density of lanthanum doped bismuth titanate ceramics, Bi4-xLaxTi3O12 (BLT), thereby significantly improving the performance of the BLT ceramics. Dense BLT ceramicses, Bi4-xLaxTi3O12 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0), are prepared by using nanocrystalline powders fabricated by a-gel method and high-pressure technique. The microstructures of the BLT ceramicses prepared separately by conventional-pressure and high-pressure techniques are investigated by using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The influence of La-doping on the densification of bismuth titanate ceramics is investigated. The experimental results indicate that the phase compositions of all samples with various lanthanum dopings sintered at 900°C possess layer-structure of Bi4Ti3O12 . The green compacts are pressed under 2.5 GPa, 3.0 GPa, 3.5 GPa and 4.0 GPa, separately. It is found that the density of BLT ceramics is significantly increased due to the decreasing of porosity in the green compacts by high-pressure process.     

Electrical and thermal properties of lead titanate glass ceramics

Glass samples with composition of (50−X)PbO-(25+X)TiO₂-25B₂O₃ (where X=0, 5, 10 and 12.5 mol%) were prepared using conventional quenching technique. The glass transition temperature, T_g and crystallization temperature T_c were determined from the DTA. These glass samples were converted to glass ceramics by following two stage heat treatment schedule. The glass ceramic samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and dielectric constant measurements. The XRD results revealed the formation of ferroelectric lead titanate (PT) as a major crystalline phase in the glass ceramics. The density increases and the CTE decreases for all glass ceramics with increase in X (mol%). This may be attributed to increase in PT phase. The SEM results which show rounded crystallites of lead titanate, also supports other results. Hysteresis loops observed at room temperature confirms the ferroelectric nature of glass ceramics. The optimized glass ceramic sample exhibits high dielectric constant which is of technical importance.     

Modification of dielectric relaxations in sodium bismuth titanate with samarium doping

Na_0.5Bi_(0.5−x) Sm_xTiO₃ (NBST) ceramics with x=0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 are prepared through chemical route. The X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of single phase. Dielectric measurements in the temperature region ranging from room temperature (∼30 °C) to 600 °C at different frequencies (10 kHz-1 MHz) showed anomalies at 130, 306, and 474 °C (at 10 kHz frequency) for x=0.05 sample. Other samples showed only two peaks. To establish the electrical nature of these relaxations, impedance measurements are done at different temperatures and frequencies. The relaxation time, obtained from both impedance and modulus data, is found to decrease with increase in temperature. The relaxations observed are of non-Debye type. Increase in samarium content increases the activation energy for relaxation.     

Comparison of piezoelectricity in Ta and La substituted lead calcium titanate ceramics

This paper reports the experimental investigations on the effect of La³⁺ and Ta⁵⁺ substitution on the structural characteristics and dielectric and piezoelectric properties of lead calcium titanate (PCT) ceramic. The PCT samples with A-site and B-site substitution having the composition formula Pb_0.76−x/2La_xCa_0.24(Ti_0.98Mn_0.02)_1−x/2O₃ and Pb_0.76Ca_0.24Mn_0.02Ti _0.98−5x/4Ta_xO₃, x=0 and 0.02, respectively_, were prepared using conventional solid-state reaction method. Phase formation and structural analysis were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Dielectric constant (ε′) and loss tangent (tan δ) as a function of frequency were measured at room temperature as well as elevated temperature. Both ε′ and tan δ decreased with increase in frequency at room temperature. Curie temperature decreased with La and Ta doping in PCT ceramics due to a decrease in the tetragonality of PCT ceramics. Piezoelectric charge coefficients (d₃₃, d₃₁) increased with La³⁺ substitution due to reorientation of the grains and decreased with Ta⁵⁺ substitution because of the increase in porosity. Figure of merit d_hg_h increased and decreased with La and Ta substitution, respectively. A good ferroelectric behaviour is obtained for La substitution, while no hysteresis is obtained for Ta substitution.     

Effects of Sm substitution on ferroelectric domains and conductivity in bismuth ferrite ceramics

The large piezoelectric coefficient and multiferroicity of bismuth ferrite (BFO) make it an attractive candidate for lead-free ferroelectric devices. However, large leakage currents have limited broader applications. Rare-earth substitutions in BFO have been shown to improve ferroelectric and magnetic properties. In this work, we employed piezoresponse and conductive atomic force microscopy to study ferroelectric domains in Bi_1-xSm_xFeO₃ (x = 0–0.150) grown by the co-precipitation method. The combined piezoresponse and conductivity measurements can directly visualize the local ferroelectric domains under different sample bias. At Sm mol% > 7.5, Sm-substitution effectively lowers defect-generated conductivity. At Sm mol% < 7.5, conductivity increases due to conductive domain walls inside sample grains. The surfaces of these conductive samples exhibit a p-type rectifying behavior while the bulk is n-type. Our work details how the local piezoelectric properties and transport behaviors of BFO ceramics change as a function of Sm-substitution.