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The relaxor ferroelectric crystal Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT), located near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), exhibits exceptionally high piezoelectric and electro-optic (EO) responses. Nevertheless, lower optical transparency and phase transition temperature of PMN-PT limit its optical applications. The ternary system Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) holds promise in addressing these challenges with a higher Curie temperature. Additionally, specific ferroelectric domain polarization techniques can eliminate domain scattering, substantially enhancing the transparency of the crystal. In this study, we explore the optical properties of Sm-doped PIN-PMN-PT. We achieve a 2R domain-engineered state by polarizing along the (110) direction of the crystal. The high transparency allows us to extract an effective EO coefficient of up to 431.5 pm/V from the Sm-PIN-PMN-PT crystal at the telecommunications wavelength. Second-harmonic generation (SHG) probing verified the domain-engineered state in Sm-PIN-PMN-PT. The temperature-dependent SHG reveals the ferroelectric phase transition process, laying the groundwork for studying the stability of the EO response. The Sm-PIN-PMN-PT crystal exhibits an exceptionally high EO coefficient, which is crucial for the development of enhanced EO devices with high integration and low driving voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid-state refrigeration technique based on the electrocaloric effect (ECE) of ferroelectric materials has been regarded as a promising alternative to vapor compression systems due to its advantages of high efficiency and easy miniaturization. However, the small adiabatic temperature change (ATC) and narrow operating temperature range of ferroelectric materials are key obstacles for their practical applications of ECE refrigeration. To improve the ECE performance of ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride) [P(VDF-TrFE)], PbZr1−xTixO3 (PZT) nanoparticles with larger polarization is herein introduced to form ferroelectric nanocomposites. The phase-field simulation is employed to investigate the dynamic hysteresis loops and corresponding domain evolution of the ferroelectric nanocomposites. The temperature-dependent ATC values are calculated using the indirect method based on the Maxwell relation. The appearance of the double hysteresis loop is observed in P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite filled with PbZr0.1Ti0.9O3 nanoparticles [P(VDF-TrFE)–PZT0.9], which is mainly caused by a microscopic domain transition from single domain to polar vortex. Compared to the P(VDF-TrFE), enhanced ATC values associated with the domain transition are unveiled in P(VDF-TrFE)–PZT0.9, and the temperature range of excellent ECE is also effectively broadened. In addition, as the component x of filled PZT nanoparticles increases to cross the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), the maximum ATC value shows a significant increase. The results presented in this work not only explain the mechanism of domain transition induced excellent ECE in the P(VDF-TrFE)–PZT nanocomposite, but also stimulate future studies on enhancing ECE of P(VDF-TrFE) by introducing ferroelectric nanofillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of La/Ho co-substitution on multiferroic characteristics were investigated for BiFeO3 ceramics together with structure evolution. The symmetry in Bi1−x(La0.65Ho0.35)xFeO3 ceramics changed from R3c to Pna21 and finally Pbnm with increasing x. Ferroelectricity was significantly improved with La/Ho co-substitution, and Pr reached the maximum of 30.9 μC/cm2 at 160 kV/cm at x = 0.16, where the R3c/Pna21 morphotropic phase boundary was determined. The weak ferromagnetism was released as the symmetry changed from R3c to Pna21, and subsequently the saturated M–H loop could be determined gradually with increasing x, and Mr increased continuously. The electric field-controlled magnetism could be characterized by the significant magnetism variation due to the electric field-induced transition of Pna21/R3c, which occurred during the poling process, and this transition became reversible by the help of annealing after poling. Compared with the situation of Bi1−xNdxFeO3 (the ion radius is the same as the effective one of La0.65Ho0.35), the present co-substituted BiFeO3 ceramics exhibited superior electric field-induced transition of Pna21/R3c with a maximum change rate of 47.03% in remanent magnetization under an electric field, which enhanced the magnetoelectric effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric (FE) electrocaloric materials research has been blossoming worldwide for solid-state refrigeration and potential cooling systems replacing thermoelectric Peltier coolers in microelectronics. In this work, we report the outcomes from a systematic study of combined phase transition (thermodynamics) based on the phenomenological Landau theory and distributed electric field (electrostatics of thin film interfaces) in FE bilayer films. Specifically, the compositional variation of ferroelectric bilayers results in broken spatial inversion symmetry leading to asymmetric thermodynamic potentials due to a combination of normal (first- and second-order phase transition) and relaxor (dispersive dielectric constant) ferroelectric behaviors devised for efficient electrocaloric cooling effects. Extensive theoretical analyses conducted for bilayers consisting of insulating materials highlight modified phase transition temperature behavior and self-poling by effective electric field amplification arising due to bilayers' electrostatic coupling yielding significant changes in isothermal entropy (ΔS) and adiabatic temperature (ΔT). The theoretical calculation insights supported with experimental results signify, through case studies for a combination of materials experimental parameters, that amplification of the local electric field and materials engineering maximize the number of coexisting phases at or away from the morphotropic phase boundary of constituent layers in bilayer thin film architectures, which can be applicable toward other classes of materials and multilayer systems. These are effective ways for efficient cooling, in general, and for microelectronics thermal management either directly or by developing a thermal switch with phase change materials integrated with thermoelectric coolers for residual heat dissipation, both at the system and on-chip levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoceramics with the formula Pb0.93Sr0.06Ba0.01(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.035(Ni1/3Nb2/3)0.2 (Sb1/2Nb1/2)0.015(ZrxTi1−x)0.75O3 + 0.5 wt. % Li2CO3, where x = 0.51, 0.50, 0.49, 0.48, 0.47, and 0.46, have been made using the one-step solid-state method. The phase structure and electrical properties were systematically investigated in the quinary system. Here, the crystalline structure transformed gradually from the rhombohedral to tetragonal phase with decreasing Zr content. More importantly, the effective piezoelectric coefficient d33* of the ceramics demonstrates an excellent thermal stability below the Curie temperature. Meanwhile, piezoelectric ceramics with x = 0.49 exhibited the extraordinary electrical properties near the morphotropic phase boundary. A huge piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 853 pC/N, high Curie temperature TC = 152 °C, and the electromechanical coupling coefficients kp = 67.4%, kt = 63.5%, and k33 = 67.4% were obtained at the composition of x = 0.49, which may lead a promising future for the transducer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of La3+ substitution on the phase structure, microstructure, electrical and energy storage properties of (Sr 0.3 Bi 0.35 Na 0.335 Li 0.015) 1-x La x TiO 3 (SBNLT-xLa) ceramics with x = 0–0.05, using the solid-state combustion technique, was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated a pure perovskite structure formed, along with coexisting rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in all ceramics. The Rietveld refinement analysis showed the tetragonal phase increased while the rhombohedral phase decreased with increased La3+ content. The morphology of the SBNLT-xLa ceramics displayed polygonal grain shapes and anisotropic grain growth. Average grain sizes increased from 2.01 to 2.43 μm as x increased from 0 to 0.01 and afterwards decreased as x increased further. Both the measured density and maximum dielectric constant (ɛ m) decreased from 5.48 to 5.29 g/cm3 and from 4667 to 2313, respectively, when x increased from 0 to 0.05. A decrease in the dielectric properties caused by the phase ratio shifting away from a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) condition, poor microstructure and low density was produced with La3+ replacement. The maximum polarization (P max), remnant polarization (P r) and coercive field (E c) decreased with increased La3+ content. A decline in P r and E c improved the energy storage efficiency (ƞ) and energy storage loss (W loss), resulting in enhanced energy storage properties. At x = 0.02, the ceramic showed good energy storage properties (W total of 0.781 J/cm3, W rec of 0.624 J/cm3, W loss of 0.157 J/cm3 and ƞ of 79.8%), measured at 60 kV/cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design novel materials suitable for high-temperature electromechanical applications, a bismuth-based ternary solid solution system, (1- x - y)BiScO 3 - y Pb(Sc 1/2 Nb 1/2)O 3 - x PbTiO 3 , with compositions situated around the morphotropic phase boundary, were designed and synthesized in the form of ceramic. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, and the local polar domain structure of the ceramics were investigated in detail. The examined ceramics exhibit large grain sizes ranging from 20 μm to 45 μm, along with noteworthy characteristics, including a relatively large strain of 0.21 %, a high large-signal piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 * = 368 pm/V), a low dielectric loss (tanδ = 1.7 %), and a high Curie temperature (T C ∼ 423 °C). These enhanced properties signify the suitability of the designed ternary ceramics for future high-temperature electromechanical applications. This work demonstrates an effective approach for designing ferro-/piezoelectric materials characterized by substantial strain and low dielectric loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic compounds BaTi 1-x Fe x O with x = 0–0.2 prepared by solid state reaction technique were studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and magnetometry methods focusing on the correlation between the structure and magnetic properties. Chemical doping with Fe ions leads to a concentration driven structural transformation from the single phase tetragonal (T-) structure to the hexagonal (H-) structure with a mixed structural state stable in the concentration range 0.06 < x ≤ 0.2. Increase in the Fe ions content causes a stabilization of weak ferromagnetic state driven by the exchange interactions Fe3+ – O – Fe3+ ions strongly dependent on the structural positions of the Fe ions. Increase of the dopant content above x = 0.08 leads to a decrease of the remnant magnetization which is mainly caused by a stabilization of Fe4+ ions as well as by the lattice defects associated with oxygen vacancies formed to keep electroneutrality of the compounds. The results of the structural and magnetization measurements allowed to itemize the type of exchange interactions between Fe ions residing different structural positions of the hexagonal lattice as well as to reveal structural instability of the T- and H- phases under ambient conditions and applied electric field which shows a possibility to control the structure and magnetic properties of the mixed compounds via external stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiferroelectric (AFE) materials have great potential for applications in large-strain actuators due to their unique field-induced phase transition properties. In particular, AFE ceramics that exhibit a high level of field-induced strain with reversible and "on/off" features at low electric fields are well suited for use in reliable actuators. In this study, we designed Pb 0.97 La 0.02 (Zr 0.72-x Sn 0.17+x Ti 0.11)O 3 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, 0.15) AFE ceramics with the components close to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The polarized Pb 0.97 La 0.02 (Zr 0.60 Sn 0.29 Ti 0.11)O 3 AFE ceramics exhibit an excellent field-induced strain of 1.21 % at a low electric field (60 kV/cm). This phenomenon can be attributed to the more miniaturized and disordered domain structure, which provides an important contribution to its field-induced strain beyond the AFE-FE phase transition. This work not only provides an AFE ceramic candidate for actuators but also explains the origin of the excellent field-induced strain properties of AFE ceramics with components close to the MPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 1-y Sm y Fe 1-x Ti x O 3 ceramics with compositions at the rhombohedral- orthorhombic morphotropic phase boundary (y = 0.1, 0.12, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) were prepared by solid state reaction method. Analysis of the crystal structure of the compounds based on the results of laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements as well as Raman spectroscopy experiments revealed a coexistence of the rhombohedral phase (SG R 3 c) and the anti-polar orthorhombic phase (SG Pbam) in the compounds Bi 0.88 Sm 0.12 Fe 1-x Ti x O 3 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1; the compounds Bi 0.9 Sm 0.10 Fe 1-x Ti x O 3 are characterized by the mixed structural state for the concentration range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06 and by the single phase rhombohedral state within 0.06 < x ≤ 0.1. Room temperature magnetization measurements demonstrate a gradual increase of remanent magnetization with Ti content in the compounds of both systems up to the maximal value of M R ∼0.28 emu/g for compounds with x = 0.06 which is followed by a decrease in magnetization with further titanium doping. Temperature decrease leads to a reduction of remanent magnetization which is mainly caused by a partial recovery of spatially modulated spin structure occurred in the compounds of both systems. Time aging of the compounds for about ∼1 year leads to a drastic increase of M R , which is caused by a change in the structural phase ratio, homogeneity of the structural state and a contribution of unbounded spins demonstrated by low field measurements. Subjecting of the annealed compounds to external electric field of E ∼40 kV/cm leads to a decrease of magnetization associated with backward structural transformations and redistribution of the local structural defects in the compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unique non-uniform polar nanoregions and complex phase structure near morphotropic phase boundaries (MPBs) in relaxor ferroelectric materials lead to rich microstructure changes (domain transition, phase transition) under external field stimulation. This not only results in the material with extremely high electromechanical properties, but also greatly affects their mechanical properties and stability. Objective: This study investigated the fundamental mechanical properties of the rhombohedral phase (R-phase) and tetragonal phase (T-phase) structures of the relaxor ferroelectric single crystal PMN-PT material using the nanoindentation with different shapes of indenters. Methods: The basic mechanical properties of the material were measured by nanoindentation, and the fracture caused by indentation was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: The elastic modulus of R-phase relaxed ferroelectric materials showed a significant dependence on the indentation depth, and the hardness of different phases (R, T-phase) materials all show obvious indentation size effects (ISE). Under the loading of the spherical indenter, both R and T phase materials exhibited a pop-in phenomenon caused by the transition from elastic to inelastic. Under the loading of the Berkovich indenter, the R and T phase materials showed different fracture characteristics of crack propagation response with the increase of the indentation depth. Conclusions: The result demonstrate that the mechanical properties of relaxor ferroelectric materials are significantly related to their phase structure, providing guidance for the design of load bearing and material selection in the practical application of related ferroelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic BiFeO3 exhibits a morphotropic phase boundary at large compressive strain that merges metastable phases of tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) character resulting in giant ferroelectric and electromechanical responses. To utilize this functionality in devices, it is essential to understand the response of these ferroelectric phases to the environment of a nanoscale heterostructure. Here, the emergence of ferroelectricity near the morphotropic phase boundary in BiFeO3 is explored directly during thin‐film growth, using optical second harmonic generation. It is found that the epitaxial films form at the growth temperature purely in the T phase with zero critical thickness for the spontaneous polarization. Signatures of monoclinic T‐like and R‐like phases only appear upon sample cooling. The robustness of a single‐domain configuration in the high‐temperature T phase is furthermore demonstrated during growth of capacitor‐like metal | ferroelectric | metal heterostructures. Here, a reduction in tetragonality, rather than multidomain formation, lowers the electrostatic energy in the few‐unit‐cell thickness regime. For this lower tetragonality, density‐functional calculations and scanning transmission electron microscopy point to the stabilization of a novel metastable monoclinic structure upon cooling toward room temperature. The synergistic combination of strain and electrostatic phase stabilization in BiFeO3 heterostructures hence provides a basis for designing new ferroelectric phases and ultrathin ferroelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strain‐driven morphotropic boundary in BiFeO3 can enhance the piezoelectric properties. However, the tetragonal phase has generally been observed in BiFeO3 films grown on substrates with intense compressive strain (more than −4.5%) within a limited thickness range (<300 nm) due to significant thickness‐dependent strain relaxation during film growth at high deposition temperatures. This work proposes suppressing thickness‐dependent strain relaxation by decreasing growth temperature. Utilizing a hydrothermal method, the growth temperature of epitaxial BiFeO3 films decreases to 200 °C. As a result, the tetragonal phase is observed in 600‐nm‐thick BiFeO3 film on (001) SrTiO3 substrates (strain equals only −1.5%), accompanied by the monoclinic phase. This SrTiO3‐available morphotropic phase boundary significantly enhances the piezoelectric response (d33,f′=110pmV−1)$ {({d}^{\prime}_{\rm 33,f} = 110\, {\rm pm\, V}^{-1})} $ in epitaxial BiFeO3 film. Ex situ and in situ measurements, theoretical calculations, and simulation confirm that the SrTiO3‐available morphotropic phase boundary originates from the suppressed strain relaxation. Furthermore, a critical temperature (400 °C), below which the tetragonal phase can be maintained, is identified to offer an applicable strategy for extending strain‐driven morphotropic phase boundary for high‐performance piezoelectric films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contradiction between high piezoelectricity and uniquely poor temperature stability generated by polymorphic phase boundary is a huge obstacle to high-performance (K, Na)NbO3 -based ceramics entering the application market as Pb-based substitutes. We possess the phase boundary by mimicking Pb(Zr, Ti)O3's morphotropic phase boundary structure via the synergistic optimization of diffusion phase boundary and crystal orientation in 0.94(Na0.56K0.44)NbO3−0.03Bi0.5Na0.5ZrO3−0.03(Bi0.5K0.5)HfO3 textured ceramics. As a result, a prominent comprehensive performance is obtained, including giant d33 of 550 ± 30 pC/N and ultrahigh temperature stability (d33 change rate less than 1.2% within 25-150 °C), representing a significant breakthrough in lead-free piezoceramics, even surpassing the Pb-based piezoelectric ceramics. Within the same temperature range, the d33 change rate of the commercial Pb(Zr, Ti)O3−5 ceramics is only about 10%, and more importantly, its d33 (~ 350 pC/N) is much lower than that of the (K, Na)NbO3-based ceramics in this work. This study demonstrates a strategy for constructing the phase boundary with MPB feature, settling the problem of temperature instability in (K, Na)NbO3-based ceramics. The authors induce a phase boundary similar to Pb(Zr, Ti)O3's morphotropic phase boundary structure in (K, Na)NbO3-based ceramics, which exhibit high residual polarization as well as a significantly improved piezoelectric constant d33. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the piezoelectric materials capable of efficiently outputting high electrostrains at low electric fields are driven by the demand for precise actuation in a wide range of applications. Large electrostrains of piezoceramics in operation require high driving fields, which limits their practical application due to undesirable nonlinearities and high energy consumption. Herein, a strategy is developed to enhance the electrostrains of piezoceramics while maintaining low hysteresis by incorporating lead magnesium niobate relaxors into lead zirconate titanium at the morphotropic phase boundary. An ultrahigh inverse piezoelectric coefficient d 33 * of 1380 pm/V with a reduced hysteresis of 11.5% is achieved under a low electric field of 1 kV/mm, outperforming the major lead-based piezoelectric materials. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and domain wall dynamics characterization with sub-microsecond temporal resolution reveal that the outstanding performances originate from facilitated domain wall movement, which in turn is due to reduced lattice distortion and miniaturized domain structures. These findings not only address the pending challenges of effective actuation under reduced driving conditions but also lay the foundation for a more systematic approach to exploring the origin of large electrostrains. The authors develop an application-oriented low-field actuating piezoceramic via relaxor substitution. Their in situ synchrotron XRD analysis along with domain wall dynamics characterization reveals the mechanisms of outstanding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric ceramics with high electrical performances and high Curie temperature (Tc) act as key materials for numerous electromechanical devices such as transducers and actuators. Herein, we report a systematic investigation on the crystal structure, microstructure and electrical properties of Sr and La co-doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbZrO3–PbTiO3 ceramics with a low Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 content, namely, (Pb1−ySry)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.07ZrxTi0.93−xO3:zLa. With an increase in the Zr content (x value) from 0.49 to 0.53, its crystal structure evolved from a tetragonal phase to a rhombohedral phase, leading to not only a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) at around x = 0.51 but also a monotonously decreasing Tc. Meanwhile, a change in either the Sr- or La-doping content (y and z values, respectively) in the range of y = 0.03–0.07 and z = 0.01–0.03 can slightly deviate the structure of MPB, resulting in a significant effect on its electrical properties. As the best results, the optimal composition of x = 0.51, y = 0.05, and z = 0.02 yielded peak electrical performance, with a related room temperature piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 645 pC N−1, remanent polarization (Pr) of 33.5 μC cm−2, coercive field (Ec) of 8.6 kV cm−1, and Tc of 242 °C. Especially, its piezoelectric properties showed excellent temperature stability, and its d33 value decreased by only 3% from room temperature to 150 °C. This work not only provides an alternative piezoelectric ceramic with outstanding electrical performance for industrial applications, but also reveals a comprehensive perspective on the composition–structure–property relationship of doped Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3),Zr,Ti]O3, which is helpful for further work on piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric (FE) materials and their advancements have piqued the scientific community's interest greatly since they provide numerous fascinating processes in addition to being used in devices. Among them, we have studied Mn and Sn co-doped PZT and Pb (Zr0.52Ti0.48) O3 as PZT, an extremely intriguing FE. The structure and phase purity of all the samples are determined by x-ray diffraction techniques. All the samples show a very good microstructures and the average grain size is found to be decreased with ion incorporation. The UV-Vis spectra show how doping reduces optical band gaps. Parallel resistance (R)-capacitance (C) circuits have been used to analyze the relationship between microstructure and electrical characteristics. The microscopic processes in various PZT samples with dilute magnetic cations at A-sites, B-sites, and/or both sites at the morphotopic phase boundary are established from the detail impedance, modulus, and ac conductivity of the samples as a function of temperature (300 –500 °C) and over a range of frequency (100 Hz to 1 MHz). Additionally, the framework of the Jump relaxation model and the Jonscher power law are used to study the ac-conductivity data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphotropic phase boundary of ferroelectric solid solutions attracts interest with respect to not only improved piezoelectric properties but also the electrocaloric effect, which is attractive to build new-generation cooling devices. In the present study, the electrocaloric effect in (1 − x − y)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xBaTiO3–yNaNbO3 near its morphotropic phase boundary is studied by direct measurements of temperature change ΔT. ΔT maximum is observed in the region of depolarization temperature, where the major contribution comes from an entropy jump at the electric field-induced phase transition. Differences between ΔT values measured when an electric field pulse is applied and removed are explained by slow domain rearrangement in the ferroelectric phase and metastability of phases close to the depolarization temperature. Among studied compositions, the highest value of ΔT is obtained for the compositions 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 and 0.93Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–0.01NaNbO3 in the region of depolarization temperature. Examples of the comparison of the directly measured values of ΔT and the values calculated using the Maxwell relation revealing inconsistency between the two methods in the ferroelectric and the nonferroelectric phase are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to clarify the morphotropic phase boundary observed in Zr-doped hafnia systems. We utilize density-functional-theory calculations to examine various structural phases of (Hf,Zr)O 2 thin films on TiN electrodes. We account for Zr composition, film thickness, and temperature to model the free energy of (Hf,Zr)O 2 on TiN electrodes. Our assessment of the thermodynamic stability of each structural phase in terms of surface and interface energies under the substrate strain allows us to determine that the substrate strain and temperature significantly reduce the energy differences between different phases. Our findings lead to the energy reversal between tetragonal and orthorhombic phases when the film thickness increases. Based on our results, we propose that the formation of a high-temperature tetragonal phase, arising from the rapid thermal or annealing processes, is crucial to the appearance of the morphotropic phase boundary in Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2. Understanding the origin of the morphotropic phase boundary can have significant implications for device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ferroic materials, giant susceptibilities can be realized at artificially constructed phase boundaries through deterministic manipulation of the order parameter. Here, emergent ferroelectric structural phase evolution behavior is demonstrated through a synergistic combination of A‐site doping and strain engineering. Using chemical solution deposition derived (001)‐oriented Sm‐substituted bismuth ferrite (Bi1‐xSmxFeO3) films as a prototypical system, a morphotropic phase boundary comprising a coexistence of four distinct crystallographic phases is uncovered. These ferroelectric, polar, and nonpolar phases form a nanoscale mixture without the presence of crystallographically hard boundaries. The system thus possesses the ability to show both polarization rotation and extension, effectively releasing the polarization from its crystallographic constraint. Consequently, both robust ferroelectric properties and giant electromechanical responses are obtained. For instance, the optimized composition with x = 0.14 has a remnant polarization of 2Pr = 103 µC cm−2 and electromechanical response 175% that of undoped BFO. These findings showcase the tremendous potential of synthetic phase boundaries, particularly in the context of lead‐free functional multiferroics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has emphasized the investigation of BiFeO 3 –BaTiO 3 (BFO–BT) piezoelectric ceramics due to their elevated Curie temperature. Nevertheless, the substantial electrical conductivity of these ceramics poses practical challenges. This study evaluates the influence of post-annealing and manganese (Mn) doping on the conductivity, dielectric behavior, and ferroelectric properties of (1-x)BFO–xBT ceramics with a morphotropic phase boundary composition (x = 0.33). The results demonstrate that the conductivity of the ceramics in the as-sintered state is affected by Maxwell-Wagner effects arising from variations in conductivity at grain boundaries. Annealing under specific atmospheres indicates that the electrical conductivity is of the p-type, potentially associated with Fe4+ defects. Furthermore, annealing in a carefully controlled atmosphere or the introduction of Mn doping significantly alleviate these effects, leading to an enhancement in domain switching characteristics. The insights garnered from this investigation regarding annealing and doping have the potential to advance lead-free BFO–BT piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synergistic strategy was used to improve the piezoelectric characteristics of high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics. This work combined three commonly used strategies, constructing the Morphotropic Phase Boundary to reduce energy barriers, changing domain structures impacting macroscopic piezoelectric properties, and adjusting BO 6 octahedral distortions reflecting microstructural changes, thus effectively regulating the piezoelectric behaviors of BiFeO 3 -based ceramics. As a result, the 0.67BiFeO 3 -0.32BaTiO 3 -0.01BiAlO 3 component, exhibiting the maximum distortion of the BO 6 octahedron and the coexistence of macrodomains and nanodomains, achieved the optimal piezoelectric characteristics (d 33 = 225 ± 10 pC N−1, T C = 450 °C). Additionally, the ceramic maintained its high piezoelectric properties even at temperatures as high as 280 °C (346 pC N−1). This study presents a novel collaborative design strategy that combines phase structure, domain structure, and BO 6 octahedral distortion, significantly enhancing the development potential of lead-free high-temperature piezoelectric materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), which arises from the combination of antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases, demonstrates the highest dielectric constant (κ) compared to other phases. This emphasizes its potential as a leading contender for dielectric films in future dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitors. MPB‐based high‐κ materials using hafnia have shown a trade‐off between equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and leakage current density (Jleak) when the crystallization temperature increases with scaling the thickness. Herein, a microwave annealing (MWA) method that can achieve low‐temperature crystallization below 350 °C is employed. The purpose of this method is to mitigate the trade‐off relationships and achieve the strict criteria of current DRAM capacitors. These criteria include low EOT (less than 4 Å) and Jleak (less than 10−7 A cm−2 at 0.8 V) characteristics. The MWA is capable of relatively low‐temperature annealing by supplying energy to the films through both thermal energy and dipole vibration energy. As a result, a record‐low EOT of 3.76 Å and a low leakage current characteristic of 4.2 × 10−8 A cm−2 at 0.8 V are achieved concurrently. It is confident that the research can be important in addressing the challenges associated with reducing the size of next‐generation DRAM capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inevitable feedback between the environmental and energy crisis within the next decades can probably trigger and/or promote a global imbalance in both financial and public health terms. To handle this difficult situation, in the last decades, many different classes of materials have been recruited to assist in the management, production, and storage of so-called clean energy. Probably, ferromagnets, superconductors and ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials stand at the frontline of applications that relate to clean energy. For instance, ferromagnets are usually employed in wind turbines, superconductors are commonly used in storage facilities and ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials are employed for the harvesting of stray energy from the ambient environment. In this work, we focus on the wide family of ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials, reviewing their physical properties in close connection to their application in the field of clean energy. Among other compounds, we focus on the archetypal compound Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (or PZT), which is well studied and thus preferred for its reliable performance in applications. Also, we pay special attention to the advanced ferroelectric relaxor compound (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (or PMN-xPT) due to its superior performance. The inhomogeneous composition that many kinds of such materials exhibit at the so-called morphotropic phase boundary is reviewed in connection to possible advantages that it may bring when applications are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-based piezoelectric materials cause many environmental problems, regardless of their exceptional performance. To overcome this issue, a lead-free piezoelectric composite material was developed by incorporating different percentages of carbon fiber (CF) into the ceramic matrix of Bismuth Sodium Titanate (BNT) by employing the microwave sintering technique. The aim of this study was also to evaluate the impact of microwave sintering on the microstructure and the electrical behavior of the carbon-fiber-reinforced Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 composite (BNT-CF). A uniform distribution of the CF and increased densification of the BNT-CF was achieved, leading to improved piezoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of a phase-pure crystalline perovskite structure consisting of CF and BNT. A Field Emission Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed that utilizing microwave sintering at lower temperatures and shorter dwell times results in a superior densification of the BNT-CF. Raman Spectroscopy confirmed the perovskite structure of the BNT-CF and the presence of a Morphotropic Phase Boundary (MPB). An analysis of nanohardness indicated that the hardness of the BNT-CF increases with the increasing amount of CF. It is also revealed that the electrical conductivity of the BNT-CF at a low frequency is significantly influenced by the amount of CF and the temperature. Moreover, an increase in the carbon fiber concentration resulted in a decrease in dielectric properties. Finally, a lead-free piezoelectric BNT-CF showing dense and uniform microstructure was developed by the microwave sintering process. The promising properties of the BNT-CF make it attractive for many industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice defects such as oxygen vacancies, interstitials, and their complexes are present in crystalline oxide materials. In particular, anti‐Frenkel defects, which refer to charge‐neutral anion vacancy‐interstitial pairs, are strongly coupled with ferroelectric and dielectric properties as electric dipoles. However, in order to observe their macroscopic manifestation, delicate defect controls are required to the extent that electronic and ionic charges are almost completely suppressed. Here, the thermal cycle dependence of dielectric and piezoelectric properties is scrutinized in the strain‐driven morphotropic phase boundaries of multiferroic La‐substituted BiFeO3 thin films. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provides the Warburg feature that is considered evidence of the ionic origin. The observations are discussed based on anti‐Frenkel defects that are created or annihilated reversibly by thermal cycles through high‐temperature structural phase transition temperature or magnetic Néel temperature. The defect dipoles are spontaneously aligned by the flexoelectric effect in the phase boundaries inducing a metastable interfacial ferroelectric phase. The findings offer useful insight into defect dipoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly (0.73- x)Bi 1.05 FeO 3 - x LiNbO 3 -0.27BaTiO 3 ternary ceramics were designed and prepared via a solid-state sintering route. Based on the X-ray diffraction results and Rietveld refinement, it was found that the structure of the ceramics transformed from rhombohedral to tetragonal symmetry with the addition of LiNbO 3 , and at x = 0.003, there existed a morphotropic phase boundary separating the two phases. Near the phase boundary, the largest values were achieved for the piezoelectric constant d 33 and planar electromechanical coupling coefficient k p , being 180 pC/N and 0.27, respectively. Due to the addition of LiNbO 3 , the grain size tended to become smaller. Additionally, the ceramics were transitioned from normal to relaxor ferroelectrics with increasing x. Despite the fact that the LiNbO 3 addition would result in a gradual decrease of Curie temperature, a relatively high Curie temperature (535 °C) was still maintained at x = 0.003, the phase boundary composition, which also showed good temperature stability of piezoelectric properties. These experimental results can provide a reference for the practical applications of high-temperature lead-free ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure-induced structural changes in the perovskite-type (ABO 3 ) ferroelectric solid solution (1-x)Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -xBaTiO 3 (NBT-xBT) at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) ( x MPB = 0.048 ) have been analyzed up to 12.3 GPa by single-crystal x-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. A pressure-induced phase transition takes place between 4.4 and 5.0 GPa, where the pseudocubic low-pressure phase transforms into an orthorhombic high-pressure phase with space group Pnma. The high-pressure phase is comprised of mixed BO 6 tilts and anti-polar A-cation displacements, without exhibiting coherent off-centered shifts of the B-site Ti 4 + cations that can be detected by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Our results reveal that at ambient pressure and room temperature the NBT- x MPB BT structure possesses anti-phase BO 6 tilts with a relatively large correlation length and the same type of polar distortions as those present in pure NBT, but with strongly violated correlation length due to Ba 2 + -induced local elastic-stress fields. For x MPB the effect of Ba on the mesoscopic-scale structure is compensated by a mild external pressure of only 0.7 GPa, resulting in structural features resembling those of pure NBT at ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a corrigendum for an article titled "Recent progress in piezoelectric thin films as self-powered devices: material and application." The corrigendum addresses errors in the references and their citations in the published article. It provides the correct references for several studies related to AlN and PZT piezoelectric films. The corrigendum aims to rectify the inaccuracies in the original article and ensure the accuracy of the references cited. [Extracted from the article]

As the two typical basic binary solid solutions of the relaxor-PbTiO3 family, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) has been widely investigated, whereas Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PNN-PT) has not. Here, 1.5 mol% Sm-doped (1 − x)Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3, (1 − x)PNN–xPT:0.015Sm with x = 0.33–0.39, ceramics have been prepared and the chemical composition-induced evolution of crystal structure, domain, and electrical properties investigated systematically. With increasing PT content, evolution of the rhombohedral–tetragonal structure was observed. A rhombohedral–tetragonal morphotropic phase boundary occurred around x = 0.36–0.37, which showed a peak piezoelectric property with piezoelectric constant d33 = 531 pC N−1 and planar electromechanical coupling factor kp = 0.37 at room temperature. At the same time, the x = 0.36 composition showed improved ferroelectric behavior with remanent polarization Pr = 13.4 μC cm−2 and coercive field Ec = 3.2 kV cm−1. Interestingly, different from its PMN-PT counterpart, there is no temperature-driven phase transition between room temperature and the Curie temperature for (1 − x)PNN–xPT:0.015Sm. These parameters indicated that the PNN-PT system is worthy of more attention and is a promising platform for further development of high-performance piezo/ferroelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the two typical basic binary solid solutions of the relaxor-PbTiO3 family, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) has been widely investigated, whereas Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PNN-PT) has not. Here, 1.5 mol% Sm-doped (1 − x)Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3, (1 − x)PNN–xPT:0.015Sm with x = 0.33–0.39, ceramics have been prepared and the chemical composition-induced evolution of crystal structure, domain, and electrical properties investigated systematically. With increasing PT content, evolution of the rhombohedral–tetragonal structure was observed. A rhombohedral–tetragonal morphotropic phase boundary occurred around x = 0.36–0.37, which showed a peak piezoelectric property with piezoelectric constant d33 = 531 pC N−1 and planar electromechanical coupling factor kp = 0.37 at room temperature. At the same time, the x = 0.36 composition showed improved ferroelectric behavior with remanent polarization Pr = 13.4 μC cm−2 and coercive field Ec = 3.2 kV cm−1. Interestingly, different from its PMN-PT counterpart, there is no temperature-driven phase transition between room temperature and the Curie temperature for (1 − x)PNN–xPT:0.015Sm. These parameters indicated that the PNN-PT system is worthy of more attention and is a promising platform for further development of high-performance piezo/ferroelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yttrium (1 mol %) -doped 0.49BiFeO3-0.20Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.31PbTiO3 ceramic at the morphotropic phase boundary was synthesized by a solid-state reaction via columbite precursor technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FESEM analysis confirmed a perovskite phase in the P1m1 space group with a homogeneous microstructure sintered at 920 °C. Rietveld refinement yield lattice parameters a = 3.95984 Å, b = 3.93828 Å, c = 4.04466 Å, α = 90.000°, β = 89.970°, γ = 90.000°. Studies of dielectric permittivity and ferroelectric hysteresis at room temperature shows Y doping impact, exhibiting low dielectric loss and a saturated hysteresis loop. The synthesized sample remains fatigue-free over 104 cycles, with a high value of converse piezoelectric coefficient of d33* ̴ 723 pm/V. Weak ferromagnetism is observed in the magnetic hysteresis loop (M-H) at room temperature, suggesting potential applications in ferroelectric-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional constitutive model, which is based on micromechanical rotation of domains, is presented in this work to demonstrate the non-linear behavior of ferroelectric materials under different loading conditions. A temperature-dependent combined material model that incorporates both phases i.e., tetragonal and rhombohedral phases is embedded into two-dimensional polygonal finite element framework. The developed material model which has easily overcome shortcomings related to tetragonal model and rhombohedral model alone. This model is developed on the morphotropic phase boundary which has produced desired behavior based on macroscopic material parameters. Temperature effects on behavior of combined material model are obtained in the work. Furthermore, polarization rotation test and temperature effects on polarization rotation are also studied in present work. There are numerous studies conducted on ferroelectric materials. All of them incorporate behavior of ferroelectric material confined to specific conditions. Either tetragonal model or rhombohedral model has been used extensively to get the desired behavior based on macroscopic material parameters. This model has some limitations in either satisfying one or another condition related to experiments conducted to study the behavior of ferroelectric materials. The tetragonal material model is capable of producing results with microscopic material properties but in case of macroscopic material parameters the tetragonal model is insufficient to produce the desired behavior for PZT ceramics. The rhombohedral material model is sufficient to produce results based on macroscopic material parameters. Therefore, model is extended by rhombohedral phase, allowing a mixture of both phases with varying quantities inside the grain. Though, rhombohedral model is also not used to that extent. We have developed material model that gives desired behavior and overcomes the hurdles in the existing model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g 33) and figure of merit (FOM 33) are the key parameters of perovskite ceramics for piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesters. Here, the Bi(Zn 2/3 Nb 1/3)O 3 (BZN) member with a low tolerance factor is introduced into the BiScO 3 -PbTiO 3 (BS-PT) perovskite high-temperature piezoelectric matrix to decouple the piezoelectric coefficient (d 33) and dielectric constant (ε r) by modulating the morphotropic phase boundary and grain size. For the optimal 0.38BS-0.01BZN-0.61PT ceramic that benefits from the decoupling of d 33 and ε r , its Curie temperature, g 33 and FOM 33 are as high as 436 °C, 38.6 mV·m·N−1 and 16.5×10−12 m2·N−1, respectively. Furthermore, the 0.38BS-0.01BZN-0.61PT ceramic also shows the technical advantages of large g 33 and FOM 33 even at harsh elevated temperatures (≥ 200 °C). Due to its outstanding comprehensive performances above, the 0.38BS-0.01BZN-0.61PT ceramic surpasses many other BS-PT-based piezoceramics. These results demonstrate that the 0.38BS-0.01BZN-0.61PT material is a promising competitor for high-temperature electromechanical coupling applications. • The BS-BZN-PT MPB ceramic has a high T C of 436 °C. • The variations of d 33 and ε r are decoupled in the BS-BZN-PT system. • The BS-BZN-PT MPB ceramic has a large g 33 of 38.6 mV·m·N−1. • The BS-BZN-PT MPB ceramic has a high FOM 33 of 16.5×10−12 m2·N−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of (001)‐oriented 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)−0.3PbTiO3 (PMN‐30PT) with a composition near the morphotropic phase boundary have attracted considerable attention due to their superior dielectric and electromechanical performance. Recently, a new alternating current (electric field) poling approach used for the enhancement of dielectric and piezoelectric properties. However, the microscopic domain variants that govern the performance, especially under high‐frequency alternating current (AC) voltages, remain largely unexplored. In this work, the domain microstructure under AC poling reveals the presence of four monoclinic (MA) domain variants using a suite of scanning probe microscopy methods, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reciprocal space mapping is tuned. It is reported on the emergence of hierarchical fine domains – needle‐shaped, and 109° domain walls under applied high‐frequency AC poling. Time‐resolved Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) reveals the charge dynamics and relaxation behavior of these needle domains and walls. The findings provide new insight and guidance to the domain engineering by high‐frequency AC poling for the development of advanced transducer technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite high-entropy ceramics (HECs) are favorable for energy storage performance due to the novel high-entropy effects. However, highly disordered states of HECs with equal molar ratio at the same site greatly reduce polarization intensity, yielding unsatisfactory energy storage properties. Herein, non-equiatomic [((Bi 0.5 Na 0.5) 0.94 Ba 0.06) 0.65 (Sr 0.5 Ca 0.5) 0.35 ](Ti 0.95 Me 0.05)O 3 (Me = Zr (Zr 0.5 Hf 0.5), (Zr 1/3 Hf 1/3 Sn 1/3), abbreviated as BNBSCT-Zr, BNBSCT-ZrHf, BNBSCT-ZrHfSn), HECs have been designed and prepared by a hydrothermal method. As-prepared HECs exhibit high maximum polarization, which are related to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) induced by the (Bi 0.5 Na 0.5) 0.94 Ba 0.06 TiO 3 composition. In addition, the A-site doping of Sr and Ca and B-site doping of Zr, (Zr 0.5 Hf 0.5), and (Zr 1/3 Hf 1/3 Sn 1/3) rooted in high configuration entropy improves the degree of dielectric relaxation, decreases the grain size, increases the resistivity, and enlarges the band gap, resulting in a higher breakdown electric field. As a result, BNBSCT-ZrHfSn ceramics exhibit the significant energy storage properties with a high W rec (6.44 J/cm3) and η (73.8 %) under a large E b (477 kV/cm), as well as good temperature, frequency, and fatigue stability. The results show that the "entropy engineering + MPB" strategy provided in this study can remarkablely develop the energy storage properties of dielectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the authors explore the structural, dielectric, electrical insulating, electromechanical, and piezoelectric characteristics of ceramics that have been modified using BaTiO 3 and (K 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3.as key components. Specifically, they explore the composition (1-x-y)(Na 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3 -xBaTiO 3 -y(K 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3 , where x (mol.%) varies between 0, 6, and NBT, and y (mol.%) varies between 0, 18, and KBT. These ceramics were fabricated using a solid-state synthesis technique. The optimized calcination temperature for achieving a pure perovskite phase was determined to be 1000 °C for a duration of 4 h. The research involves a comprehensive analysis of the composition, microstructure, electrical insulating, and electromechanical characteristics of the ceramics. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data was employed to accurately ascertain the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) within this material. In this paper, we discuss the impact of crystallite size on the shifts in Raman band frequencies. Sintering at 1100 °C for 4 h was found to enhance densification, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images illustrating a nearly uniform distribution of compact grains. Electrical insulating assessments demonstrate that each of the ceramics displays a scattered phase transition around the temperature T m , with a diffusivity ranging from 1.4 to 1.8, and a shift of T m towards elevated temperatures. Exceptional piezoelectric properties were observed at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), including a d 33 value of 149 pC/N and electromechanical coupling factors kp of 0.297. These findings are attributed to the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases, as well as precise grain size control. This research presents a novel approach to enhancing lead-free ferroelectric materials based on the composition 0.76(Na 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3 -0.06BaTiO 3 -0.18(K 0.5 Bi 0.5)TiO 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An X-ray diffraction study of ceramic samples of the BiScO3–PbTiO3–PbMg⅓Nb⅔O3 system with compositions close to the morphotropic phase boundary was carried out at room temperature. The existence of wide areas of solid solutions has been established. The symmetry of the PbTiO3-based solid solutions is tetragonal (space group P4mm). The symmetry of the PbMg⅓Nb⅔O3-based solid solutions is cubic (space group Pm3‾m). Near the BiScO3 side, the solid solutions are rhombohedral (space group R3m). During the morphotropic phase transition from the cubic solid solutions to the tetragonal ones, additional phases appear. If a tetragonal phase prevails ((1 − 2x)BiScO3–xPbTiO3–xPbMg⅓Nb⅔O3x = 0.46; (1 − 2x)BiScO3–1.1xPbTiO3–0.9xPbMg⅓Nb⅔O3x = 0.45 and 0.42), a satisfactory model is a model with a minority cubic phase (space group Pm3‾m). If a cubic phase prevails ((1 − 2x)BiScO3–1.1xPbTiO3–0.9xPbMg⅓Nb⅔O3x = 0.39 and 0.36; (1 − 2x)BiScO3–0.8xPbTiO3–1.2xPbMg⅓Nb⅔O3x = 0.4), a model with a minority monoclinic phase (space group Cm) or with two minority phases: tetragonal (space group P4mm) and monoclinic (space group Cm) is satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between phase structure and piezoelectric characteristics is demonstrated by producing a sequence of (1 − x)BiFeO3–xBaTiO3 ceramics. A morphotropic phase boundary between the R and PC phases in BF–xBT ceramics is observed within the 0.285 ≤ x ≤ 0.315 range. High piezoelectric properties with a piezoelectric constant (d33) of 174 pC/N and a planar electromechanical coupling coefficient of 0.33 are achieved in BF–xBT ceramics at 0.285 ≤ x ≤ 0.315 due to the coexistence of the R and PC phases. In addition, a slight variation (±15%) in Δd33/d33 over the temperature range of 25–400 °C is noted in BF–xBT ceramics at 0.285 ≤ x ≤ 0.315, indicating that BF–xBT ceramics hold promising potential for use in high-temperature applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the effect of copper oxide (CuO) doping on electrocaloric (EC) and energy storage (ES) properties of solid state synthesised 1-x(0.6[Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3]-0.4[(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3])-xCuO (1-xBZCT-xCuO) ceramics with x = 0.005 to 0.05. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis evidences the formation of impurity free 1-xBZCT-xCuO ceramics. Further, XRD, Raman and temperature dependent dielectric studies reveal that the inclusion of CuO into the BZCT lattice suppresses the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) and reduces the tetragonality (c/a ratio) and consequently enhances the diffused phase transition (DPT) behaviour. The Curie temperature (Tc) shifted towards lower temperature, as the CuO content increases in 1-xBZCT-xCuO ceramics. Significantly, 0.995BZCT-0.005CuO ceramics demonstrated a maximum recoverable energy density (Wr) of 398 mJ/cm3 with an efficiency of 90 % under electric field of 100 kV/cm with an excellent heat stability. Moreover, EC effect exhibited a temperature change of 1.02 K at 30 kV/cm and a responsivity of 0.03 Kcm/kV near Tc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetoelectric composite materials, which exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties simultaneously, have attracted considerable interest for their potential in various applications such as microelectronics, memory devices, and spintronics. In this study, we investigated the synthesis, structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties of multiferroic CoFe2O4/0.65BiFeO3-0.35PbTiO3 (CFO/65BF-35PT) composite thin films. These films were prepared using a high ferroelectric, morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition, 65BF-35PT, combined with a high magnetostrictive compound, CFO. Multilayered CFO/65BF-35PT composite films were spin-coated onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrates using the sol-gel method, with variation in the solution molarity to achieve different layer thicknesses. Structural analysis revealed a perovskite phase for 65BF-35PT and a spinal structure for CFO, with the presence of rhombohedral and tetragonal polymorphs confirming MPB composition. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrated uniform growth of 1 μm thick composite films. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops exhibited considerable leakage current at room temperature, increasing with higher CFO content, while current versus voltage plots revealed ohmic conduction at low applied fields and space charge limited current (SCLC) conduction at high fields in all composite films. The crossover field between ohmic and SCLC conduction decreased with increasing CFO content. Moreover, room-temperature magnetic hysteresis loops showed a decrease in saturation and coercive field with increasing CFO concentration, and the temperature-dependent magnetization response indicated a monotonic decrease, with magnetization vanishing around 800 K, confirming the magnetic order of CFO. Our findings demonstrate that stable ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases can be achieved at low temperatures by depositing composite films containing CFO/MPB on a low-cost FTO substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) urgently require high-performance lead-free piezoelectric thin films, which is rather difficult to achieve via the existing strategy of designing a morphotropic phase boundary. How to update the optimization methods for piezoelectric performance is a challenge. Here, we proposed a simple and interesting way, that is, constructing the self-assembly ordered domain configurations in our oriented lead-free thin films. Driven by the local strain, we realized a periodic arrangement of disordered nano-domains and ordered striped domain structures, and thus obtained an outstanding electrostrain of 1.55%. Multi-scale characterization and phase-field simulations suggest the underlying mechanism of this giant strain as the synergy between the high polarization brought about by the periodic nano-pillar-like striped domains, the highly sensitive electrical stimulation response of defective dipoles and disordered nano-domains. The presented high electrostrain supports the potential MEMS application, the proposed optimization strategy serves the next generation lead-free thin films with higher electromechanical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrahigh electrostrain (S m) at low driving field in lead-free piezoceramics could alleviate key concerns by reducing energy consumption and the risk of electrical breakdown for advanced applications. However, the giant electrostrain always accompanied with an extremely large drive field is a long-standing conflict referred as the strain-electric field trade-off. Herein, we engineer a novel strategy of introducing the B-site unequal double doping cations (ZnSn 0.5)4+ into (Bi 0.5 Na 0.5) 0.93 Ba 0.07 TiO 3 ceramic to generate the spontaneous phase transition from relaxor state to ferroelectric state, polar nanoregions PNRs and defect cluster. The giant strain of S m = 1.12% is achieved by integrating the field-induced phase transition, morphotropic phase boundary MPB and the enhanced synergistic effect between the spontaneous polarization P s and the defect cluster polarization P d under a low electric field of 50 kV/cm, thus yielding extremely large piezoactuation constant d 33 * =2240 pm/V in (Bi 0.5 Na 0.5) 0.93 Ba 0.07 Ti 0.97 (ZnSn 0.5) 0.03 O 3 piezoceramics. This finding also demonstrates an unexpected new route to design novel ferroelectric materials via nonconventional mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric Pb 5 Nb 10 O 30 (PN) tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) forms solid solutions that exhibit morphotropic phase boundaries (MPBs). Successful replacement of PN with TTBs containing Bi could advance lead-free TTB MPBs. The most studied Bi containing TTB, K 4 Bi 2 Nb 10 O 30 , was recently demonstrated to be paraelectric, and we have systematically explored the possibility to increase the Bi-content beyond two Bi3+ ions per unit cell aiming to induce ferroelectricity. Higher Bi content was incorporated by either increasing the cation vacancy concentration on the A-site or by B-site substitution with lower valency cations. An additional pyrochlore phase was found in almost all the explored compositions exceeding two Bi3+ per unit cell. The instability of the TTB structure with higher Bi3+ concentrations was investigated in terms of first-principles calculations, combined with chemical considerations and including the tolerance factor. Consequently, an in-plane polarisation found in PN is unlikely to exist in Bi-based TTBs, meaning that Bi3+ cannot fully replace Pb2+ in ferroelectric TTBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, relaxor ferroelectric single crystals have attracted people's attention and research because of their excellent piezoelectric properties at morphotropic phase boundary(MPB). The ternary system Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O 3 -Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PIN-PMN-PT) crystals have higher Curie temperature and coercive field, which have the opportunity to be applied in high-temperature devices. The crystals of the rhombohedral phase have better stability, but their performance is not as good as that of the MPB component crystals. In this paper, the piezoelectric properties of rhombohedral PIN-PMN-28PT single crystals are improved by Sm3+ doping. The piezoelectric coefficient d 33 after AC polarization along [001] direction can reach 3125pC/N, which is 60% higher than that of undoped crystals. Meanwhile, the crystal exhibits excellent optical performance after DC polarization along [110] direction. The crystal has an effective electro-optic coefficient of 386 pm/V at room temperature and a stable frequency-dependent characteristic, which is expected to be an ideal material for electro-optic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, for the first time, the exploration of the microstructural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric performances are measured for Sm-ion-influenced pseudo-cubic, morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) regional 0.62BiFeO3−0.38SrTiO3:xwt%Sm2O3 (BFST:xSm) ceramics with x = 0–0.25. All the compositions maintained their pseudo-cubic MPB structural stability. The composition of BFST:0.15Sm ceramics exhibited an excellent remnant polarization (Pr) of ~52.11 μC/cm2, an enhanced d33 of 101 pC/N, and the highest relative dielectric constant (ɛr) of ~1152, which are much improved as compared to that of pure BFST ceramics. BFST:0.15Sm ceramics demonstrated a Curie temperature (TC) of 378 °C. Moreover, the composition exhibited high thermal stability for d33 72 pC/N (only a 28% decrease), even at a high temperature of 300 °C. Such outstanding outcomes make BFST:0.15Sm ceramics an ideal applicant for high-temperature piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local domain evolution plays a vital role in modulating the high-temperature piezoelectricity of ferroelectric ceramics. Herein, 0.7BiFeO 3 -0.3BaTiO 3 - x Bi(Zn 0.5 Ti 0.5)O 3 (referred to as BF-BT- x BZT, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) high temperature lead free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by a solid-phase method. All ceramics are at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), with an overall decreasing trend of the R/Pc phase fraction upon heating. STEM reveals the in-situ heterogeneity of polar nanodomains. Due to the modulation with proper R/PC ratio and a multilayer nanodomain ratio, the in-situ d 33 and T dr values increase from 495 pC/N and 314 °C to 502 pC/N and 360 °C with increasing content of (Zn 1/2 Ti 1/2)3+ from x = 0 to x = 0.04 while maintaining a high Curie temperature (T c >470 °C). This study provides a new paradigm for studying the in-situ depolarization behavior of lead-free perovskite materials and to optimizing the high-temperature piezoelectric properties by tuning the domain scale. • Enhanced piezoelectric properties d 33 =502 pC/N when T dr =360 °C. • Unique domain structure in BF-BT ceramic. • Improved high-temperature piezoelectric tolerance related to nanodomains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary system piezoelectric ceramics 0.7PbZrxTi1−xO3-0.3Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (abbreviated as 0.7PZTx-0.3PZN) were prepared by a traditional solid-phase process. With the increase in Zr content, the electrical properties of the ceramics were significantly improved, and this result could be attributed to the change in the ceramic phase structure. The relationship between the change in Zr content and the ceramic phase structure and properties was investigated in detail by component modulation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that the phase structure of the ceramics undergoes a transition from the coexistence of tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) phases to the predominance of rhombohedral (R) phases as the Zr content x increases. The phase structure of the ceramics at x = 0.49 is closer to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), with about 32% of the T-phase and 68% of the R-phase, and possesses good electrical properties: d33 = 483 pC/N, kp = 0.69, εr = 2171.7, tanδ = 0.016, Tc = 292.5°C, Pr = 35.9 μC/cm2, Ec = 7.7 kV/mm. Constructing the MPB of 0.7PZT-0.3PZN piezoelectric ceramics by varying the Zr content can be effective in improving the electrical properties and understanding more broadly how the change in Zr/Ti composition affects the piezoelectric behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]