Enhanced structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of lead-free (1-x) Bi0.5Na0.25K0.25TiO3–(x)LiSbO3 ceramics for next-generation piezoelectric applications
摘要
A series of lead-free (1-x)Bi0.5Na0.25K0.25TiO3–(x)LiSbO3 (BNKT-LS) piezoceramics was successfully synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. The effect of varying LiSbO₃ concentrations on the structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the ceramics was systematically investigated. The prepared (1-x)Bi0.5Na0.25K0.25TiO3–(x)LiSbO3 piezoelectric ceramics have shown great potential for various applications due to their excellent piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, lead-free composition, and thermal stability. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis at room temperature revealed the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal crystal phases, both exhibiting a pure perovskite structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed a dense and uniform microstructure across all samples. As the LiSbO₃ (LS) concentration increased, the dielectric anomalies associated with the maximum relative dielectric constant ‘εr’ broadened and shifted toward lower temperatures. The ferroelectric P–E loops gradually narrowed in the range of x = 0.10 to x = 0.20, indicating a decrease in remnant polarisation ‘Pr’ and coercive field ‘Ec’, which suggests the development of relaxor-like behavior. The highest piezoelectric coefficient ‘d33 = 161 pC/N’ was observed for the 85BNKT–15LS sample. With their environmentally friendly composition and efficient electromechanical coupling, these ceramics are well-suited for use in actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters in miniaturized systems, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance MEMS devices.