Defect engineering of BCZT-based piezoelectric ceramics with high piezoelectric properties

The intrinsic conduction mechanism and optimal sintering atmosphere of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O-3 (BCZT) ceramics were regulated by Mn-doping element in this work. By Hall and impedance analysis, the undoped BCZT ceramics exhibit a typical n-type conduction mechanism, and the electron concentration decreases with the increasing oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, the undoped ceramics exhibit best electrical properties (piezoelectrical constant d(33) = 585 pC center dot N-1, electro-mechanical coupling factor k(p) = 56%) in O-2. A handful of Mn-doping element would transfer the conduction mechanism from n-type into p-type. And the hole concentration reduces with the decreasing oxygen partial pressure for Mn-doped BCZT ceramics. Therefore, the Mn-doped ceramics sintered in N2 have the highest insulation resistance and best piezoelectric properties (d(33) = 505 pC center dot N-1, k(p) = 50%). The experimental results demonstrate that the Mn-doping element can effectively adjust the intrinsic conduction mechanism and then predict the optimal atmosphere.

Automated summary

In this study, the intrinsic conduction mechanism and optimal sintering atmosphere of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O-3 (BCZT) ceramics were regulated by Mn-doping element. The undoped ceramics exhibited best electrical properties in O-2, while the Mn-doped ceramics sintered in N2 showed the highest insulation resistance and best piezoelectric properties.