Optimizing piezoelectric properties and temperature stability via Nb2O5 doping in PZT-based ceramics

High-performance piezoelectric ceramics with temperature stability can significantly enhance the functionality of transducers and sensors across a range of piezoelectric device applications. In this study, we investigated ceramics composed of 0.16Pb0.92Ba0.08(Mg0.5W0.5)O3-0.84 Pb(Zr0.43Ti0.57)O3 (PBMW-PZT) with varied Nb2O5 content. Notably, the ceramic doped with 1.0 wt% Nb2O5 exhibited superior piezoelectric properties (d33 - 596 pC/N, kp - 67%, and Tc - 284 degrees C). Moreover, this ceramic demonstrated a stable performance with variations below 10% in the temperature range from 20 degrees C to 240 degrees C, surpassing many commercially available PZT-based ceramics. A combination of XRD, SEM, ferroelectric studies, and other in situ analytical methods indicated that this heightened piezoelectric response arises from a marked increase in reversible domain wall movement. The temperature-responsive Raman spectra suggest that the material's temperature stability primarily stems from its inherent structural integrity. Given these findings, the ceramic material in question emerges as an optimal choice for applications in piezoelectric devices, especially transducers and sensors.