Insight into the Impact of Zr/Ti Ratios on the Structure and Properties of (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O₃ Antiferroelectric Thick Films

Abstract

In recent years, (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3 (PLZST)‐based antiferroelectric (AFE) materials are examined, and research demonstrates that the content of each material component has a significant impact on performance. However, a majority of investigations focus on a 2 mol% La content. Herein, PLZST AFE thick films with 6 mol% La content and a changed Zr/Ti ratio are prepared using the rolling process (RP). The results show that antiferroelectricity decreases with increasing Ti content. The forward and backward switching electric fields decrease linearly. Meanwhile, the hysteresis is only slightly reduced, maintaining a relatively small value. Images of the microstructure reveal that the RP is a helpful method for preparing dense materials. The breakdown at the edge of the electrode is the leading electric failure mode. As Ti content is increased, the temperature‐dependent dielectric permittivity relationship curves remain almost equidistant and shift to the left. Compared with the others, the 2 mol% Ti content sample exhibits a better discharge performance. However, owing to the limited breakdown electric field, the discharge behavior beyond the electric switching field strength cannot be observed, so a high electric switching field strength material with an excellent voltage resistance is needed for an outstanding discharge performance.