Boosting piezoelectric response and electric-field induced strain in PMN-PT relaxor ferroelectrics.

High-performance piezoelectric materials are essential for diverse electromechanical devices, from actuators to sensors and transducers. Here, we synthesized Ce 2 O 3 -doped Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3)O 3 -0.29PbTiO 3 (x Ce-PMNT29) solid solutions via conventional solid-state methods. In the x = 2.5 % modified composition, we achieved a notable electrostrain-hysteresis trade-off, enhancing electrostrain (0.2 %), equivalent piezoelectric coefficient d 33 * (1701 pm V–1 at 3 kV cm–1), and reducing strain hysteresis to 8.1 %. Additionally , direct high-temperature piezoelectric characterizations revealed real-time variations in piezoelectric coefficient (d 33) and the actual depolarization temperature, with d 33 reaching 859 pC N−1 at 53 °C and planar electromechanical coupling coefficient (k p) exceeding 70 % within 30−85 °C. Leveraging x-ray diffraction (XRD) and piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), we elucidated synergistic effects between complex nanodomains and local structural heterogeneity, enhancing piezoelectric activity. This study presents a promising approach for improving electromechanical performance and electrostrain in ferroelectrics, with significant potential for practical piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]