Enhancing SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ ceramics: The role of neodymium substitution in structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties.

This study investigates the impact of neodymium substitution for bismuth in SrBi 2 Nb 2 O 9 (SBN) ceramics, a potential lead-free alternative for ferroelectric applications. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a decrease in lattice parameters and volume with increasing Nd content. Scanning electron microscopy examines the influence of neodymium on grain morphology, showing a transition from characteristic SBN plate-like grains to a mix of plates and micro-spheres. Dielectric properties are evaluated, showing an increase in room-temperature permittivity for Nd-doped samples compared to the undoped counterparts. Additionally, the influence of Nd doping on relaxor ferroelectric behavior is studied. The Curie temperature (Tc) increases with Nd concentration, while the temperature dependence of relaxation time weakens. Ferroelectric properties exhibit significant changes due to Nd doping. Inverse permittivity versus temperature (ϵ r −1 vs. T) measurements suggest an unconventional response, potentially due to lattice strain induced by the larger ionic radius of Nd. The potential influence of doping concentration on the order of the ferroelectric transition is also explored. Overall, neodymium substitution in SBN ceramics enhances their ferroelectric properties, making them promising for advanced electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]