Concurrently enhanced piezoelectric performance and curie temperature in stressed lead-free Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 ceramics

Abstract Eco-friendly, lead-free BaTiO3-based piezoelectrics are critical for sustainable electronics, but improving their piezoelectric properties often compromises Curie temperature (T C). To address this trade-off, we implemented an innovative stress engineering approach by introducing a secondar...

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Main Authors: Yuanhui Su, Qingying Wang, Yu Huan, Jianli Wang, Wei Sun, Yongjun Li, Tao Wei, Zhenxiang Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59311-2
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Summary:Abstract Eco-friendly, lead-free BaTiO3-based piezoelectrics are critical for sustainable electronics, but improving their piezoelectric properties often compromises Curie temperature (T C). To address this trade-off, we implemented an innovative stress engineering approach by introducing a secondary phase BaAl2O4 in Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCTZ) ceramics. The thermal expansion mismatch between BCTZ and BaAl2O4 induces internal stress within the BCTZ matrix, causing significant lattice distortion and phase fraction modulation, which improves both T C and the piezoelectric coefficient (d 33). Additionally, the local electric field and Al3+ doping in ABO3 lattice further enhance d 33. Optimized BCTZ ceramics achieve d 33 of 650 ± 16 pC N−1, d 33 * of 1070 pm V−1, and T C of 96.5 ± 1.0 °C, placing them at the forefront of lead-free BaTiO3-based piezoelectrics. This study underscores the effectiveness of bulk stress engineering via a secondary phase for enhancing lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, paving the way for developing high-performance piezoelectric ceramics suitable for broad temperature applications.
ISSN:2041-1723