Simultaneously enhanced piezoelectric properties and thermal stability of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3-based ceramics by a composition design strategy

Abstract

The advancement of emergent electromechanical applications has intensified the demand for piezoelectric ceramics with exceptional piezoelectric properties and a broad operational temperature range. However, simultaneous achievement of excellent piezoelectric properties and temperature stability in Pb(Zr, Ti)O₃-based piezoelectric ceramics remains a significant challenge. In this study, a novel composition of Pb_(1−x)Nd_x[(Zr_0.541Ti_0.459)_0.98Nb_0.02]O₃ (abbreviated as PNZTN-x) was developed to enhance these properties. The optimized composition of PNZTN-0.010 ceramic exhibits a high piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) of 586 pC N⁻¹, an excellent electromechanical coupling factor (k_p) of 81%, and a high Curie temperature (T_C) of 334 °C, along with excellent thermal stability, as evidenced by the variation of d₃₃ of less than 10% over the temperature range of 30 °C to 270 °C. The outgoing piezoelectric performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of chemical composition, crystal phase and domain minimization. Meanwhile, the remarkable thermal stability is ascribed to the more tetragonal phase, lattice distortion and domain configuration. This work underscores the substantial potential of the optimized composition for practical applications, providing a viable strategy to tailor the piezoelectric properties and enhance temperature stability of lead-based ceramics.