Abstract
Revealing the evolution of domain morphology and crystal structure during and after applying an electric field is essential to understand the physics of morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in ferroelectric solid solutions. Here, electric-field-induced domain switching and phase transition in lead-free 0.95Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.05BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) single crystals were directly observed using in situ transmission electron microscopy. Rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases coexisted in two regions, i.e., the ferroelectric region with {001}C and {011}C nanodomains and the relaxor region with polar nanoregions. In situ observations show that the applied electric fields induced a reversible 90° domain switching in the ferroelectric region and an incomplete reversible relaxor-to-ferroelectric transition in the relaxor region. A reversible T–R phase transition was also evidenced by the [130]C electron diffraction patterns. The electric-field-induced domain switching and phase transition in both regions contributed significantly to the enhanced macroscopic properties. These findings provide deep insights into the dynamic structural evolution of NBT-based materials near MPB and help to understand the microstructural mechanism of the macroscopic piezoelectric behaviors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
