Effects of Pr6O11 doping on the microstructures and properties of Bi4Ti3O12 ferroelectric ceramics

Abstract: Effects of Pr6O11 doping on the microstructures and the electrical properties of Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) were investigated using dense ceramics, which were prepared by a conventional ceramic technique. For all the samples, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed Bi-layered perovskite structures, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed well developed plate-like morphologies with random orientations. The P–E hysteresis loop of samples measured at room temperature exhibited a large remnant polarization and a low coercive field. In addition, the DC current–voltage properties measured at different temperature from RT to 550 °C were discussed. Results indicate that Pr6O11 can be a good additive to improve the properties of Bi4Ti3O12. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]