Enhanced piezoelectricity and non-contact optical temperature sensing performance in Er3+ion modified (K,Na)NbO3-based multifunctional ceramics

Rare earth ions doped ferroelectrics have attracted wide attentions due to their multifunction characteristics with both ferroelectric/piezoelectric properties and intriguing photoluminescence performance, which show great prospects for future multifunctional devices. In this work, a novel rare earth Er3+ ion modified potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) based ceramics were elaborately designed and prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The microstructure, phase structure, electric properties and photoluminescence performance of the Er3+ ion modified KNN-based ceramics were systematically investigated. Enhanced piezoelectricity (a considerable d33 of exceeding 300 pC/N and a large d33* up to 500 p.m./V) was realized through optimizing the substitution of BaZrO3 by (Er0.5,Na0.5)ZrO3. Both down-conversion and up-conversion photoluminescence emissions were detected in the optimal composition. The temperature-dependent upconversion emissions of the optimal Er3+ modified ceramic sample in the temperature range of 303-573K were verified to be applicable for non-contact optical temperature sensing with a maximum sensitivity Sa of 0.0028 K-1 and a peak relative sensitivity Sr of 0.96% K-1. Moreover, low-temperature sensing performance with a maximum Sr of 16.7% K-1 in the temperature range of 80-280K was also presented based on the temperature-dependent down-conversion emissions. With both decent electrical properties and intriguing photoluminescence performance, the Er3+-modified KNNbased ferroelectrics exhibit good application potential in the future multifunctional optoelectronic devices.

Automated summary

Rare earth ions doped ferroelectric materials have been modified and fabricated to achieve enhanced piezoelectricity and photoluminescence performance. The optimized composition exhibits promising properties for future multifunctional optoelectronic devices.