Piezoelectric performance of Zr-modified lead-free BiFeO3-BaTiO3 ceramics

The structural evolution and the variation in the electrical properties of 0.67Bi(1.03) FeO3-0.33BaTi(1-x)Zr(x)O(3) (BF33BT-100xZr with x = 0.00-0.05) piezoelectric ceramics were studied. An enhanced static piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)) of 248 pC/N, with a high Curie temperature (T-C) of approximately 400 degrees C, was obtained near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The room-temperature dynamic piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)*) was found to gradually increase from 460 to 620 pm/V as the temperature was increased to 100 degrees C. A large electrostrictive coefficient (Q(33)) of 0.018-0.032 m(4)/C-2 in the temperature range of 25-100 degrees C was obtained for the BF33BT-3Zr ceramic. The enhancement of the ferroelectric and piezoelectric responses of the ceramic with increasing temperature is associated with the thermal facilitation of domain switching. A strong relationship was observed between the crystalline structure and the functional properties of the investigated ceramic series, creating a viable paradigm for future research into lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.

Automated summary

The structural evolution and electrical properties of 0.67Bi(1.03)FeO3-0.33BaTi(1-x)Zr(x)O(3) piezoelectric ceramics were studied, showing enhanced piezoelectric and ferroelectric responses near the morphotropic phase boundary. The dynamic piezoelectric coefficient gradually increased with temperature, while a large electrostrictive coefficient was obtained in a specific temperature range. The relationship between crystalline structure and functional properties suggests potential for future research into lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.