Microwave dielectric properties and crystal structures of Mg0.7Al2.2O4 and Mg0.4Al2.4O4 ceramics with defect structures

Abstract

AbstractMg0.7Al2.2O4 and Mg0.4Al2.4O4 ceramics with cation vacancies were synthesized using the molten salt method, and the relationships between the microwave dielectric properties and crystal structures of these materials were investigated. The 27Al NMR spectra of these ceramics indicate that the preferential occupation of tetrahedral sites by Al3+ cations was enhanced by the introduction of cation vacancies. The λ values of Mg0.7Al2.2O4 and Mg0.4Al2.4O4 ceramics fired at 1600°C, which correspond to the fraction of Al3+ cations in tetrahedral sites, were 0.37 and 0.60, respectively. Crystal structure refinements using the Rietveld method suggest that cation vacancies are preferentially located at octahedral sites in both ceramics. The εr and Q·f values of a Mg0.7Al2.2O4 ceramic fired at 1600°C were 7.7 and 201 111 GHz, respectively, while those of a Mg0.4Al2.4O4 ceramic fired at 1600°C were 7.5 and 232 301 GHz, respectively. These data demonstrate that the preferential occupation of tetrahedral sites by Al3+ cations following the introduction of cation vacancies enhances the Q·f value.