Enhanced Electrical Properties of Lead-Free Piezoelectric KNLN-BZ-BNT Ceramics With the Modification of Sm3+ Ions

Abstract

Environment-friendly lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with great properties and high thermal stability are desired in the industry. In this work, the Sm3+-modified lead-free 0.915(K0.45Na0.5Li0.05)NbO3–0.075BaZrO3–0.01(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 (KNLN-BZ-BNT) ceramics are prepared. The piezoelectric properties are improved with the introduction of Sm3+, and the optimal properties (d33 = 325 pC/N and d33* = 384 pm/V) are achieved in the ceramic modified with 0.3 mol% Sm3+ ions. Meanwhile, this sample shows good thermal stability such that the values of d33* decreased less than 20% when the temperature raised from 30 to 180oC. These results show the Sm3+-modified KNLN-BZ-BNT ceramics are good for further applications even under high temperature.