Ferroelectric Transition and Low‐Temperature Dielectric Relaxations in Filled Tungsten Bronzes

Abstract

A comprehensive review on the latest development of the ferroelectric transition and low‐temperature dielectric relaxations of filled tungsten bronze ceramics are presented together with some new issues. In the filled tungsten bronze ceramics M6−pRpTi2+pNb8−pO30 (p = 1, 2; M = Ba or Sr; R = rare earth or Bi), a ferroelectric transition is generally indicated together with up to three low‐temperature dielectric relaxations. The ferroelectric transition is determined as 4/mmm → 4 mm, and the low‐temperature dielectric relaxations are deeply concerned with the structure modulations due to the order/disorder of ions in A1 and A2 sites, their random cross occupancy, and the order/disorder of B‐site ions. Both the ferroelectric transition and low‐temperature dielectric relaxations are dominated by the composition and radius difference between A1‐ and A2‐site ions, ∆r. The normal ferroelectric transition might be expected if the ratio of the biggest ion and second big ion is 2:1, otherwise the diffuse or relaxor ferroelectric is expected. Meanwhile, the larger ∆r generally results in the normal ferroelectric, and the smaller ∆r will lead to the diffuse or relaxor ferroelectric. Moreover, the effects of A sites order/disorder and the random cross occupancy of A‐site ions are primary, and the effects of B‐site ordering/disordering are secondary. The right ratio of 2:1 for A2‐ and A1‐site ions and the large ∆r should be the guidelines for designing the possible multiferroic tungsten bronzes.