Issue 40, 2016

Modelling the structure of Zr-rich Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3, x = 0.4 by a multiphase approach

Abstract

Solid solution perovskite Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) is an industrially important material. Despite the long history of experimental and theoretical studies, the structure of this material is still under intensive discussion. In this work, we have applied structure searching coupled with density functional theory methods to provide a multiphase description of this material at x = 0.4. We demonstrate that the permutational freedom of B-site cations leads to the stabilisation of a variety of local phases reflecting a relatively flat energy landscape of PZT. Using a set of predicted local phases we reproduce the experimental pair distribution function (PDF) profile with high accuracy. We introduce a complex multiphase picture of the structure of PZT and show that additional monoclinic and rhombohedral phases account for a better description of the experimental PDF profile. We propose that such a multiphase picture reflects the entropy reached in the sample during the preparation process.

Graphical abstract: Modelling the structure of Zr-rich Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3, x = 0.4 by a multiphase approach

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 Jul 2016
Accepted
19 Sep 2016
First published
19 Sep 2016

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,18, 28316-28324

Modelling the structure of Zr-rich Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3, x = 0.4 by a multiphase approach

A. Bogdanov, A. Mysovsky, C. J. Pickard and A. V. Kimmel, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 28316 DOI: 10.1039/C6CP04976A

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