Synthesis and characterization of Bi_0.5(Na_0.8K_0.2)_0.5TiO₃-based ceramics obtained through the sol-gel method

Abstract

The effect of the sintering temperature on the formation of secondary phases and ferroelectric properties of Bi_0.5(Na_0.8K_0.2)_0.5TiO₃ ceramics has been studied. Ceramic powders were prepared by the sol-gel method and sintered at different temperatures. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy and ferroelectric hysteresis loops. Through XRD and Raman results, the perovskite structure was detected, and the formation of secondary phases was registered. As the sintering temperature was increased, the secondary phase composition was modified. Moreover, dielectric properties were influenced by the resulting grain size and the secondary phase amount.

Keywords:

• Piezoelectric ceramics
• lead-free compositions
• ferroelectric properties
• sintering process
• sol-gel process

Additional information

Funding

This research is funded by CONICET, ANPCyT, University of Mar del Plata (Argentina).