Polar Nanoregions Research Articles

Superior energy storage performance of Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3-modified Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-K0.7La0.1NbO3 lead-free ferroelectric ceramics

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based ceramics exhibit significant potential as energy storage dielectric materials due to their high maximum polarization (Pmax). However, their limited energy storage density significantly restricts their practical applications. To address this, this study optimizes the dielectric energy storage characteristics of lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics based on 0.91Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.09 K0.7La0.1NbO3 (NBT-KLN) by incorporating Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 (SBT) relaxor additives. The introduction of SBT helps maintain large polarization and induces local disorderly fields, promoting the formation of polar nanoregions. Subsequently, a viscous polymer processing (VPP) technique was employed to reduce defects and enhance density, markedly improving the breakdown strength (BDS). The findings indicate that the BDS of the optimized 0.30SBT (VPP) ceramics increased to 440 kV/cm, while achieving a high energy storage efficiency (η) of 78 % and an elevated energy storage density (Wrec) of 6.29 J/cm3. Additionally, the 0.30SBT (VPP) ceramics demonstrate excellent temperature stability across a broad temperature range from 30 to 120 °C, making them ideal for long-term operation in variable environments. This study demonstrates superior results compared to previous research, thereby opening up new avenues for developing novel lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with superior energy storage characteristics.

High energy storage performance of KNN-based relaxor ferroelectrics in multiphase-coexisted superparaelectric state

Although K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) possesses large maximum polarization and relatively high breakdown strength, the large remnant polarization constrains their practical applications as energy storage materials. In this work, through multi-element doping, (K0.5−0.5xNa0.5−0.5xBix)(Nb1−xSn0.2xZn0.6xTa0.2x)O3 relaxor ferroelectrics were prepared. As the superparaelectric states (SPE) were adjusted to room temperature, orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic phases coexisted, accompanied by the highly dynamic polar nanoregions (PNRs). In particular, a high recoverable energy storage density of 4.5 J/cm3 and an energy storage efficiency of 83% were achieved for the x = 0.125 ceramic, with the variations less than 11% and 4%, respectively, in the wide temperature range of 20–180 °C. These results demonstrate that the multiphase PNRs in the SPE state is an effective strategy for improving the energy storage performance of KNN-based ceramics.

Significantly enhancing high-temperature piezoelectric response and Tdr of BF-BT-based ceramics through multi-component optimization strategy

Phase boundary-domain engineering modulation with diverse group elements and coexistence of multiphase and composite domain structures is a good pathway that can be realized to simultaneously improve the piezoelectric properties of BF-BT ceramics and their thermal stability. Here, we propose a multicomponent optimization strategy. We innovatively introduce the 0.8(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.2(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 (BNT-20BKT) component to 0.69BF-0.31BT ceramic, to build a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) for enhancing d33. Meanwhile, Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 with high Curie temperature and high tetragonal degree was introduced with the expectation of obtaining higher thermal stability along with high piezoelectric properties. The 0.69BiFeO3-0.31BaTiO3-0.005[0.8(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.2(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3]-xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 (referred to as BF31BT-0.005(BNT-20BKT)-xBZT, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.025) ceramics were successfully prepared. For the first time, an ultra-high piezoelectric performance of 749.6 pC/N was achieved at a real-time depolarization temperature (Tdr) of 395.6 °C, reflecting the real-time piezoelectric properties and ultra-high temperature stability of the ceramic at high temperatures. A two-phase coexisting structure of R and PC phases was produced in BF31BT-0.005(BNT-20BKT)-0.025BZT ceramic. TEM results showed the formation of nanodomains and a large number of polar nanoregions (PNRs). By adjusting the appropriate R/PC phase ratio, oxygen octahedral distortion, and optimizing the local domain engineering, an effective strategy is provided for simultaneously achieving ultra-high temperature stability and ultra-high piezoelectric response.

Morphotropic phase boundary evolution with synergistic effect of sintering temperature to improve electrocaloric and energy storage performances of lead-free Ba0.95Ca0.05Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCST) ceramic

The designing of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics for application in environment-friendly efficient electrocaloric cooling and energy storage devices is still challenging and need to be considered. A major challenge, however, is how to simultaneously achieve higher polarization and low hysteresis loss at low applied electric field. In this perspective, we comprehensively investigated sol-gel derived Ba0.95Ca0.05Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BCST) ceramics by varying the sintering temperature to explore its electrocaloric and energy storage capabilities. The excellent ∆T ∼ 1.03 K, ∆S ∼ 1.32 J/kg.K and high electrocaloric responsivity ΔT/ΔE ∼ 0.34 K.mm/kV at very low applied electric field of 30 kV/cm are obtained for pristine BCST sample sintered at 1400 °C. Additionally, we observed Wrec ∼ 136.18 mJ/cm3 and giant energy conversion efficiency η ∼ 94.29 % under very low applied electric field of 30 kV/cm for the same BCST sample. Our results reveal that control of sintering temperature contributes to a favorable and stable microstructure, including R-O-T phase coexistence and substitutional heterogeneity-induced nano-polar regions (PNRs) which strengthens the Polarization and supports the thin hysteresis loop. Thus all these factors simultaneously contributing to make BCST ceramic as a potential material for applications in advanced electrocaloric cooling and energy storage capacitors.

Enhanced energy storage properties in (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.5Sr0.5TiO3- modified lead-free NaNbO3 antiferroelectric ceramics

The lead-free antiferroelectric material NaNbO3 (NN) is highly regarded for its exceptional breakdown electric field strength (Eb) and substantial recoverable energy storage density (Wrec). However, the significant energy loss of NN reduces its Wrec and η under a strong electric field, constraining its application in energy storage domains. This study explores a novel approach by integrating the relaxation ferroelectric (Bi1/2Na1/2)1/2Sr1/2TiO3 (BNST) into NN to create NN-BNST relaxation anti-ferroelectrics, aiming to enhance their energy storage capabilities. The incorporation of BNST not only effectively reduces the grain size of NN but also disrupts its long-range ordered structure, forming polar nanoregions (PNRs) that mitigate energy density loss. Both Wrec and η of NN ceramic are significantly improved with increasing the concentration of BNST. Optimal results are achieved with the 0.75NN-0.25BNST ceramics, which demonstrate a high energy storage density (Wrec = 3.83 J/cm3) and conversion efficiency (η = 76 %) while achieving an Eb of 236 kV/cm. The analysis of Eb enhancement in NN-BNST ceramics is conducted through considerations of grain size, band-gap width, and activation energy, offering a robust framework for developing new NN-based antiferroelectrics for energy storage applications.

High energy storage performance in BTO-based ferroelectric films

Dielectric capacitors play an increasingly important role in modern electronic power systems due to their ultrahigh charging and discharging speeds and power density. Much research has focused on enhancing dielectric breakdown strength to achieve better energy storage performance; however, this increases the potential for heat generation and unexpected insulation failures, thereby affecting the stability and lifespan of devices. This study introduces a small amount of Na+ dopants at the A-site of BaTiO3, inducing lattice distortions and enhancing local polarization to increase energy storage density rather than through enhancing breakdown strength. The introduction of Na+ enhances the ferroelectric properties, with polar nano-regions (PNRs) gradually evolving into long-range ordered large domains. In the Ba0.985Na0.015TiO3 films, the coexistence and coupling of abundant PNRs with a few long-range ordered ferroelectric domains result in high saturation polarization and low residual polarization. At a moderate electric field of 2.3 MV cm−1, an ultrahigh energy density of 44.3 J cm−3 and a high energy storage efficiency of 78.6 % were obtained. Additionally, the film exhibits excellent frequency stability (100 Hz-20 kHz), temperature stability (30–180 °C), fatigue resistance (107 cycles), and high pulsed discharge energy density, along with great thermal stability. This work provides new insights into achieving exceptional energy storage performance in single-phase films.

Average Cubic BaTaO2N Crystal Structure Formed by 50 nm Size Domains with Polar Nanoregions Consisting of cis-TaO4N2 Octahedral Chains

Average Cubic BaTaO₂N Crystal Structure Formed by 50 nm Size Domains with Polar Nanoregions Consisting of <i>cis</i>-TaO₄N₂ Octahedral Chains

Ultrahigh energy storage performance in BNT-based binary ceramic via relaxor design and grain engineering

Dielectric capacitors attract much attention for advanced electronic systems owing to their ultra-fast discharge rate and high power density. However, the low energy storage density (Wrec) and efficiency (η) severely limit their applications. Herein, Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-K0.5Na0.5NbO3 binary ceramic is developed to obtain excellent energy storage performance with strong relaxor behavior, together with large polarization and distorted lattice calculated by first-principles calculations. The atomic-scale local structure analysis of 0.75Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.25K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramic reveals distorted polarization distribution and small polar nanoregion related with the enhanced relaxation and low hysteresis. Finite element analysis demonstrates ultrafine grain and increased grain boundary density following hot-pressing sintering are crucial factors in significantly enhancing the breakdown strength (Eb). As a result, ultrahigh Wrec of 12.39 J/cm3 and η of 87.1 % are achieved at a superhigh Eb of 713 kV/cm. Encouragingly, excellent performance of temperature, frequency and fatigue stability at 400 kV/cm are obtained, and high power density of ∼ 306 MW/cm3 as well as fast discharge speed of ∼ 23.3 ns are also realized. This work proposes a simple binary design with strong relaxor behavior, and highlights the potential of grain engineering to achieve outstanding energy storage performance with great stability and excellent charge-discharge property for pulse power devices.

Giant field-induced strain with excellent fatigue performance in (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+-modified 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.11Bi0.5K0.5TiO3-0.04BaTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics

Utilizing a conventional solid-state reaction procedure, (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+-modified 0.85Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.11Bi0.5K0.5TiO3-0.04BaTiO3 (BNKT-BT) samples were synthesized. The impact of (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+ on the crystal structure, ferroelectric, dielectric, and AC impedance properties was systematically investigated. The XRD patterns demonstrate that the crystal structures of all samples exhibit typical pseudo-cubic features. According to the XPS, the doping of (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+ reduces the concentration of oxygen vacancies inside the ceramics, which significantly affects the relaxation properties. This substitution successfully triggers a change from a non-ergodic relaxor (NR) state to an ergodic relaxor (ER) state, which is ascribed to the weakening of the pinning effect of the oxygen vacancies on the polar nanoregions (PNRs). The ceramics exhibit an enormous monopolar strain of 0.468 % under 60 kV/cm, accompanied by an inverse piezoelectric coefficient (d33*) of 780 pm/V, surpassing the performance of numerous other BNT-based piezoelectric ceramics. After 1×104 switching cycles, the strain value changes slightly, indicating excellent fatigue performance. The considerable strain arises from a reversible transformation of the ER phase to the ferroelectric phase induced by an electric field. This research suggests that (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+-doped BNKT-BT ceramics have good prospects for application in actuators and sensors.

Superior energy storage performance achieved in tungsten bronze SBCN-based ceramics through tape-casting

Simultaneously integrating outstanding energy storage density and good energy storage efficiency in advanced ferroelectrics is crucial to implementing the application of dielectrics in high-power pulse devices. In this work, (Sr0.5Ba0.5)2Ca0.5Nb5-xSbxO15 ceramics were designed and prepared by adopting the B sites substitution engineering together with combining strategies of tape-casting method and two-step sintering process. Benefiting from the refined grain size and high density, the breakdown field of (Sr0.5Ba0.5)2Ca0.5Nb4.8Sb0.2O15 (SBCNS0.2) was promoted to 400 kV/cm. By the substitution of Sb5+ in the B sites, the weaker interaction force of Sb-O bond in BO6 octahedral polar unit induced the occurrence of polar nanoregions (PNRs) at room temperature to strengthen the dielectric relaxation behavior. Then it is noteworthy that SBCNS0.2 ceramics simultaneously obtained excellent recoverable energy density (Wrec, 3.9 J/cm3), energy storage efficiency (η, 90.5 %), power density (PD, 156.0 MW/cm3), and current density (CD, 1356.7 A/cm2). In addition, the SBCNS0.2 ceramics exhibited an ultrafast discharge time (t0.9, 67 ns). These results reveal prospective potential of unfilled tungsten bronze SBCNS0.2 ceramics in power capacitor applications and provide an effective strategy for improving excellent energy storage properties from the perspective of preparation methods.

Outstanding energy storage properties under moderate electric field in BiMg2/3Nb1/3O3-modified NaNbO3-based relaxor ceramics

NaNbO3 (NN)-based ceramics have received a great deal of attention for the potential application in dielectric energy storage capacitors. However, the energy storage properties (ESP) remain low, particularly under moderate electric field. Herein, a Bi-rich doping unit of BiMg2/3Nb1/3O3 (BMN) was introduced into a 0.85NaNbO3-0.15Bi0.1Sr0.85TiO3 (NN-SBT) matrix, aiming to improve polarization along ESP. As a result, a large recoverable energy density (Wrec) of ∼6.1 J/cm3 and an efficiency (η) of ∼81 % were achieved in NN-SBT-0.08BMN ceramics under a moderate electric field of 337 kV/cm. The improved ESP can be attributed to the introduction of BMN, which delays the polarization saturation of NN-SBT ceramics, while maintaining the maximum polarization (∼43.6 μC/cm2), and generating polar nanoregions (PNRs). Moreover, the optimal ceramics exhibited good thermal (25–130 °C) and frequency (1–300 Hz) stabilities, and fatigue endurance (>105 cycles). These results illustrate that the designed NN-SBT-0.08BMN ceramics are promising for application in dielectric energy storage capacitors with high ESP under a moderate electric field.

Enhancement of Charge-Discharge Properties and Temperature Stability of (Ba0.975Na0.05)Ti0.99Nb0.01O3 Ceramic by Doping High-Entropy Oxide

A bidirectional optimization strategy was adopted to fabricate (1-x)(Ba0.975Na0.05)Ti0.99Nb0.01O3)-xBi(Zn0.2Mg0.2Al0.2Sn0.2Zr0.2)O3(abbreviated as (1-x)BNNT-xBZMASZ, x = 0.02–0.10) ceramics, aimed to improve the energy storage performance. X-ray diffraction results revealed that Bi2+ cations entered the A site and the multiple cations occupied the B site of BNNT, thereby decreased the remnant polarization intensity and refined the hysteresis loop. Scanning electron microscopy images showed uniform morphologies with clear grain boundaries of the ceramics, and the average size decreased with x increasing. The substitution of multiple cations at the B-site induced the splitting of macroscopic ferroelectric domains into smaller polar nanodomains, leading to the formation of high-dynamic polar nanoregions and accelerating the transition from BNNT to relaxor ferroelectrics, thus improving relaxation properties of the material. The excellent energy storage density (Wrec ∼ 2.80 J cm−3) and efficiency (∼90.0%) can be obtained under 200 kV cm−1. Moreover, the discharge-charge testing revealed excellent current density (∼589.5 A cm−2), high power density (∼20.63 MW cm−2), and extremely short discharge time (t0.9 ∼ 50.4 ns), along with exceptional temperature stability and cycling stability under the equivalent electric field of 120 kV cm−1. The 0.92BNNT-0.08BZMASZ ceramic offers a new approach to the design and an improvement of pulsed dielectric capacitor materials.

Slow and non-equilibrium dynamics due to electronic ferroelectricity in a strongly-correlated molecular conductor

Ferroelectricity, where electronic degrees of freedom determine the polar order—thereby enabling fast switching and phase control—is an important research field in current condensed-matter physics. Using a combination of resistance noise and dielectric spectroscopy we investigate the nature of relaxor-type electronic ferroelectricity in the organic conductor κ-(BETS)2Mn[N(CN)2]3, a system that represents a wider class of materials of correlated electron systems for which functionalities for organic spintronics recently have been discussed. The two complementary spectroscopies reveal a distinct low-frequency dynamics on different length scales, namely (i) an intrinsic relaxation that is typical for relaxor ferroelectrics which classifies the system as a possible new multiferroic, and (ii) two-level processes which we identify as fluctuating polar nanoregions (PNR), i.e., clusters of quantum electric dipoles that fluctuate collectively. The PNR preform above the metal insulator (MI) transition. Upon cooling through TMI, a drastic increase of the low-frequency 1/f-type fluctuations and slowing down of the charge carrier dynamics is accompanied by the onset of strong non-equilibrium dynamics indicating a glassy transition of interacting dipolar clusters. The freezing of PNR and non-equilibrium dynamics is suggested to be a common feature of organic relaxor-type electronic ferroelectrics.

Giant overall energy density performances via introducing aliovalent cations in BNT-based ferroelectric ceramics

The strategy of introducing aliovalent cations in the ferroelectric perovskites is the most promising for obtaining excellent overall energy storage density performances, simultaneously with good efficiency and thermal stability in dielectric ceramics for high pulse power technologies. Aliovalent cations could greatly enhance the short-range ferroelectric order (Polar nanoregions, PNRs), and local random field caused by vacancies, mismatch between size, electronic configuration, and other physical and chemical properties of aliovalent cations with the host perovskite. PNRs and local random field make the ceramic relaxor like with excellent overall energy storage density results such as total energy storage density (WT = 10.55 J/cm3, recoverable energy storage density Wrec = 7.82 J/cm3), power density (PD = 197 MW/cm3), current density (CD = 1312 A/cm2), and ultra-fast discharge rate (t = 24 ns) simultaneously with good working efficiency of 74 % by introducing 14 mol% of Bi(Zn1/3Nb2/3) aliovalent cations in the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) (Bi0.47Na0.47)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 composition. In addition, the same optimum sample also showed good thermal stability up to 240 °C, with <10–13 % variation in recoverable energy storage density and working efficiency respectively. The reason of excellent overall energy storage density, and their thermal stability in a broad temperature range might be due to short-range ferroelectric order, local random field, relaxor ferroelectric polymorphic phases, highly dense microstructure with small and uniform grains, as well as large band gape. Our study provides a good clue to obtain giant overall energy density results with good working efficiency and thermal stability in relaxor ferroelectric ceramics for high pulse power technology.

Polymorphic Heterogeneous Polar Structure Enabled Superior Capacitive Energy Storage in Lead-Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics at Low Electric Field.

High-performance energy storage dielectrics capable of low/moderate field operation are vital in advanced electrical and electronic systems. However, in contrast to achievements in enhancing recoverable energy density (Wrec), the active realization of superior Wrec and energy efficiency (η) with giant energy-storage coefficient (Wrec/E) in low/moderate electric field (E) regions is much more challenging for dielectric materials. Herein, lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics are reported with giant Wrec/E designed with polymorphic heterogeneous polar structure. Following the guidance of Landau phenomenological theory and rational composition construction, the conceived (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-based ternary solid solution that delivers giant Wrec/E of ≈0.0168 µCcm-2, high Wrec of ≈4.71 J cm-3 and high η of ≈93% under low E of 280kVcm-1, accompanied by great stabilities against temperature/frequency/cycling number and excellent charging-discharging properties, which is ahead of most currently reported lead-free energy storage bulk ceramics measured at same E range. Atomistic observations reveal that the correlated coexisting local rhombohedral-tetragonal polar nanoregions embedded in the cubic matrix are constructed, which enables high polarization, minimized hysteresis, and significantly delayed polarization saturation concurrently, endowing giant Wrec/E along with high Wrec and η. These findings advance the superiority and feasibility of polymorphic nanodomains in designing highly efficient capacitors for low/moderate field-region practical applications.

Improving performances of PZT-PMS-PMT ceramics through rational tuning of Al3+-ion doping

Heat dissipation and ultra-low mechanical loss are important characteristics of advanced miniaturized and intelligent electronic devices. Herein, novel 0.86PZT-0.05PMS-0.09PMT + x mol%Al2O3 piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by solid-phase sintering method. The properties and structural variations of the resulting ceramics were systematically investigated by various analytical techniques. The results suggested excellent comprehensive performances of ceramics obtained at x = 0.6 mol%, with d33 = 340 pC/N, kp = 0.507, Qm = 2117, TC = 249.8 °C, and εr = 1473. The properties of the ceramics can be optimized by different defect dipoles induced by different Al3+ ion contents occupying the A-site and B-site. In addition, the promotion of domain changes within the lattice and the introduction of polar nano-regions by doping ions, decreased the lowering and redistribution of energy barriers. Overall, the excellent performance and ultra-high Qm of the proposed ceramics look promising for future construction of miniaturized devices.

Investigation of coherent interface on relaxation behavior and reliability of Mg-doped BaTiO3 dielectric ceramics: Experiments and first-principle calculations

The addition of Mg generally enhances the high-temperature stability and reliability of BaTiO3-based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Herein, a series of Mg-doped BaTiO3-based ceramics and ultra-thin MLCCs were successfully fabricated, and the coherent and semi-coherent interface has been observed in samples. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the improvement in temperature stability is due to changes in the coherent interface and electronic structure that promote the formation of polar nano-regions (PNRs) and induce relaxation behavior. Based on the atomic displacement, it is found that the excess substitution released the coherent stresses in the form of defects and formed semi-coherent interfaces. The reliability degradation of MLCCs is mainly due to the evolution of the semi-coherent interfaces. This work points out an avenue to obtain high-temperature stability and high reliability in BaTiO3-based MLCCs.

Significantly enhanced electrocaloric effect by composition modulation in lead-free BaTiO3-based ceramics

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) offers a pathway to environmentally sustainable and easily miniaturized refrigeration technology, positioning it as a front-runner for the next generation of solid-state cooling solutions. This research unveils a remarkable ECE in a finely tuned (Ba0.86Ca0.14)0.98La0.02Ti0.92Sn0.08O3 ceramic, exhibiting a temperature shift (ΔT) of 1.6 K across more than 85% of the maximum ΔT (ΔTmax) and spanning an exceptionally wide operational range of 92 K. Our investigation on dielectric responses and ferroelectric polarization-electric field (P–E) loops suggests that the broad operational scope results from the fragmentation of extended ferroelectric domains into smaller domains and polar nano-regions (PNRs) supported by PFM analysis. Furthermore, the introduction of La enhances spontaneous polarization by significantly extending the maximum electric field that can be applied, facilitating high-performance ECE at ambient temperature. This study positions BaTiO3-based lead-free ceramic as a sustainable alternative for addressing the cooling demands of modern electronic components, marking a significant stride toward next-generation solid-state refrigeration.

A relaxor-ferroelectric PMN-PZT thin-film-based drop-on-demand printhead for bioprinting applications with high piezoelectricity and low heat dissipation

This article presents a relaxor ferroelectric, lead magnesium niobate-lead zirconate titanate (PMN-PZT)-thin-film-based piezoelectric drop-on-demand printhead exhibiting high jetting capability and thermal stability. Unlike conventional piezoelectric materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), the PMN-PZT film demonstrates high electrical responsiveness to polarization and reduced hysteresis loss due to polar nano regions, thereby improving printhead’s performance. Our research involves a comprehensive exploration of the fabrication and packaging processes for the PMN-PZT-based printhead, along with optimization of driving pulses to maximize its performance. An in-depth investigation into the dynamics of ferroelectric film’s polarization identifies the best driving conditions that minimize self-heating while maximizing the dynamic displacement of the printhead. As demonstrated in the results, the unipolar pulse, capable of maintaining a consistent polarization direction of the film, yielded twice the displacement compared to driving with a bipolar pulse. Simultaneously, it reduced the thermal dissipation of the printhead by 73.4 %. Consequently, we aim to propose a method for developing ferroelectric thin film-based print heads suitable for various biological modeling research, leveraging their high productivity and thermal stability.

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of Nb-doped 0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3 ceramics

Bismuth ferrite-barium titanate (BF-BT) solid solutions are lead-free ferroelectrics that show great promise as the basis for high temperature piezoelectric transducers. This article investigates the dielectric properties of such materials using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The study focuses on the re-entrant relaxor ferroelectric behaviour of Nb-doped BF-BT ceramics, exploring a wide frequency range from approximately 20 Hz to 30 GHz and temperature from 200 to 500 K. The results reveal the presence of thermally induced transitions between ordered and disordered states. Quantitative analysis of the dielectric dispersion is accomplished using the Cole-Cole model, modified to account for the contribution from conduction losses at low frequencies/high temperatures. This analysis revealed that the freezing temperature of the polar nanoregions is around 158 K, with an activation energy of 0.194 eV. The findings contribute to understanding the dielectric relaxation mechanisms and thermal evolution of functional properties in BiFeO3-BaTiO3 ceramics.