FERROELECTRIC CHARACTERIZATION AND AC-CONDUCTIVITY PROPERTIES OF Bi_{4 − x}Pr_xTi₃O₁₂ POLYCRYSTALS

ABSTRACT

Effects of Praseodymium doping on the ferroelectric properties of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ using dense ceramics were systematically investigated from room temperature to 730°C. DRX studies show that Aurivillius structure can accept low amounts of praseodymium without the precipitation of second phases. Thermoelectric analysis and ferroelectric hysteresis measurements were performed and show that the incorporation of praseodymium modified the transition temperature (Tc) and slightly the polarization values. The incorporation of praseodymium resulted in a variation in the permittivity and in the remnant polarization. The polarization characteristics of the doped samples were different to those of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂. AC-conductivity was calculated for each sample and different conduction mechanisms are identified using the typical Arrhenius law.

Keywords:

• BIT Ceramics
• praseodymium doping
• conductivity mechanisms

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank A. Durán, P. Casillas, M. Avalos, E. Aparicio, I. Gradilla, M. Sainz, J. Peralta and J. Palomares for their technical assistance. This work is partially supported by CONACyT Proj. No. 47714-F and 82503 and DGAPA-UNAM Proj. No. IN102908.