Enhanced piezoelectric and energy storage performance of 0.96(K0.48Na0.48Li0.04)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3–0.04Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 ceramics using two-step sintering method

Optimization of the calcination and two-step sintering temperatures of (K0.48Na0.48Li0.04)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3 ceramics

“…significantly improved while optimizing the two-step sintering temperature. Similar results have been previously reported [3]. The optimal sintering conditions for the KNLNS ceramics can be determined.…”

“…Two experimental parameters, namely, temperature (T) and time (t) (T 1 = 1120 °C, t 1 = 5 min, T 2 = 700 °C, t 2 = 3 h), were varied to conduct the experiments, and a significant improvement in piezoelectric properties (d 33 ∼ 350-400 pC N −1 ) of ceramics could be achieved. According to the research results of Gio et al [3], the optimum piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the KNLNS-BNKZ ceramics (d 33 = 251 pC N −1 , k p = 0.51, k t = 0.55, P r = 16.77 μC cm −2 ) were obtained at T 2 = 1060 °C and t 2 = 5 h, proving the efficacy of two-step sintering technique. Pan et al [13] suggested that the two-step sintering process could be used to synthesize (K,Na)NbO 3 -based ceramics to lower the volatilization of alkali metals.…”

“…The results agree with the studied dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics of the ceramics. The ferroelectric properties of the ceramics deteriorate due to the evaporation of volatile alkali metal oxides (Na + , K + ) at T 2 = 1100 °C [3]. significantly improved while optimizing the two-step sintering temperature.…”

“…Therefore, lead-free ceramic systems with good ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties must be developed to replace lead-based ceramic systems. (Na x K 1−x )NbO 3 (KNN) [3], Bi 0.5 (Na 0.8 K 0.2 ) 0.5 TiO 3 (BNKT) [4], BaTiO 3 , and Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8 )O 3 -(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3 )TiO 3 are some of the recently studied lead-free ceramic systems [5]. It has been previously reported [6,7] that (Na 1/2 K 1/2 )NbO 3 prepared following the solid phase reaction method exhibits good piezoelectric properties (d 33 = 80 pC N −1 , k p = 36%-40%, Q m = 130, and ε r = 290).…”