Defect engineering of BCZT-based piezoelectric ceramics with high piezoelectric properties

Xinjian Wang,Yu Huan,Tao Wei,Xiaohui Wang,Peng Li,Longtu Li,Peng Zhang,Yixuan Zhu,Wenlong Yang

doi:10.1007/s40145-021-0526-6

Abstract

The intrinsic conduction mechanism and optimal sintering atmosphere of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BCZT) ceramics were regulated by Mn-doping element in this work. By Hall and impedance analysis, the undoped BCZT ceramics exhibit a typical n-type conduction mechanism, and the electron concentration decreases with the increasing oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, the undoped ceramics exhibit best electrical properties (piezoelectrical constant d33 = 585 pC·N−1, electro-mechanical coupling factor kp = 56%) in O2. A handful of Mn-doping element would transfer the conduction mechanism from n-type into p-type. And the hole concentration reduces with the decreasing oxygen partial pressure for Mn-doped BCZT ceramics. Therefore, the Mn-doped ceramics sintered in N2 have the highest insulation resistance and best piezoelectric properties (d33 = 505 pC·N−1, kp = 50%). The experimental results demonstrate that the Mn-doping element can effectively adjust the intrinsic conduction mechanism and then predict the optimal atmosphere.

Highlights

Lead zirconate titanate based piezoelectric ceramics have been used in many electronic devices, such as sensors, actuators, and transducers [1], because of their extraordinary electrical properties and excellent piezoelectric response [2,3]
Our study demonstrated that the undoped BCZT ceramics exhibit an n-type conduction mechanism, whereas the Mn-doped BCZT ceramics exhibit a p-type conduction mechanism
The results indicate that the undoped ceramics sintered at high oxygen partial pressure have higher resistance and lower charge carrier density

Summary

Introduction

Lead zirconate titanate based piezoelectric ceramics have been used in many electronic devices, such as sensors, actuators, and transducers [1], because of their extraordinary electrical properties and excellent piezoelectric response (piezoelectrical constant d33 ≈ 600 pC·N−1) [2,3]. The higher polarizability in the pure BCZT ceramics should result in the better ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties [31]. The results illustrate that the pure BCZT ceramics sintered in all atmospheres exhibit an n-type electron conduction mechanism, which means that the free electron primarily affects the conductivity.

Results

Conclusion