Electric-field-induced phase transition in Mn-Doped (K0.48Na0.48Li0.04)NbO3 lead-free ceramics

Journal
Journal of ceramic science and technology  
Volume
8
Issue
1
Start Page
45
End Page
52
Citation
Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology 1 (8): 45-52 (2017-03-01)
Publisher DOI
10.4416/JCST2016-00074
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85016930889
Publisher
Göller
In situ applied-electric-field high-resolution X-ray diffraction has been used to study the field-induced response of Mn-doped (K0.48Na0.48Li0.04)NbO3 (KNN-L) ceramics produced using the conventional mixed-oxide processing route. Ferroelectric domains are observed with transmission electron microscopy with indications of nano-segregation of Mn. Rietveld refinement (FULLPROF Suite) is used to refine the diffraction patterns, and a phase change from orthorhombic symmetry with space group Amm2 to tetragonal symmetry with space group P4mm is observed when the applied field exceeds 1.4 kV/mm. Phase coexistence between the two phases is also observed at applied fields between 1.2 kV/mm and 1.3 kV/mm with possible implications of being the coercive field EC value of the sample. A better understanding of the structural behaviour of this type of lead-free ceramics will lead to improvements in their piezoelectric and electromechanical properties.
Subjects
(K Na )NbO x 1-x 3
Electric field
High resolution
Lead-free ceramics
X-ray diffraction
DDC Class
600: Technik
620: Ingenieurwissenschaften
More Funding Information
Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) (Grant: SCHN 372/16 – 2 and HI 1867/1 – 1) and the University of Lagos (Grant: CRC NO. 2016/14).