Abstract
In this paper we address the hitherto unreported structural dependence of the electrical properties of lead–barium–zirconate–titanate (PBZT) solid solution associated with Ca-dopant segregation. Our research takes into account the already well-known fact that the physical properties of metal oxides are affected by the oxygen partial pressure in the atmosphere, and indicates the necessity of the thorough correction of experimental data obtained so far by ex situ measurements in high vacuum. In contrast, impedance spectroscopy (IS) offers in situ structure examination under ambient conditions. IS is shown to be an efficient method capable of detecting the contributions of the resistances of grains and grain boundaries resistance to the complex impedance of a compound, accurately estimating its electrical conductivity as well as its corresponding activation energies and conclude on its structural properties. This is demonstrated for the case of calcium segregation in the grain boundaries of PBZT. The obtained values have additionally been verified by microstructural investigations of this material by microscopic observations and composition analysis [energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)].
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