Effects of Defects on Relaxation Behavior of Nd-Doped BCZT Ceramics

Abstract

(Ba_0.92−xCa_0.08Nd_x)(Ti_0.82Zr_0.18)O₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.02) were prepared through solid reaction route. The relaxor behavior of (Ba_0.92-xCa_0.08Nd_x)(Ti_0.82Zr_0.18)O₃ have been studied. When x = 0, a broad dielectric peak with frequency dispersion occurred, with increasing Nd³⁺ content, the relaxation and diffuseness degree was strengthened. Atomic computer simulation has been used to predict the energy for different defect associates [Nd^•_Ba + Nd_Ti′] and [4Nd^•_Ba + V_Ti′^′′′]. Local random field induced by such off-center Nd³⁺ ions and [Nd^•_Ba + Nd_Ti′] and [4Nd^•_Ba + V_Ti′^′′′] gives rise to the relaxor behavior.

Keywords:

• (Ba_0.92-xCa_0.08Nd_x)(Ti_0.82Zr_0.18)O₃ ceramics
• dielectric relaxation
• diffuse phase transitions
• defects.