Tailoring multifunctional performance of Dy-doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramics via optimizing ceramic processing

Dy-doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ([(Ba0.85Ca0.15)0.99Dy0.01](Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3, 0.01Dy-BCZT) lead-free multifunctional ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state sintering method, in which the effects of ceramic processing conditions were studied by structural analysis and performance characterization. The sintered 0.01Dy-BCZT ceramics have pure perovskite phase with composition near morphotropic phase boundary alongside apparent tetragonal distortion, high density and densified micro-morphology obtained via tailoring calcination and sintering temperatures. High resistivity, excellent dielectric performance and piezoelectricity were acquired, which were affected greatly by ceramic processing conditions. All samples exhibit excellent ferroelectric and strain properties, which approach intrinsic physical performance and have little dependency on ceramic processing conditions. Appearance of a strong broad emission peak, centred at ∼442 nm, is related to the 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 electron transition. Strong piezoelectric-fluorescent coupling effect was produced due to adding Dy and using BCZT piezoelectric matrix, which provides a promising choice in optoelectronic application field.