Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties of Praseodymium-Modified Lead-Free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 Ceramics

The role of Pr6O11 addition on the structure, microstructure, electrical, and electromechanical properties of lead-free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O-3 piezoelectric ceramics has been systemically investigated. Addition of praseodymium (Pr) results in improved ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. XRD analysis revealed the co-existence of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases at room temperature. High remanent polarization values (2P(r) similar to 17C/cm(2)) and loop squareness of nearly 0.87 were obtained for the BCZT-0.04wt%Pr ceramic, along with high piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)=435pC/N) and transduction coefficient [(d(33<bold>)g(</bold>33))=11589x10(-15)m(2)/N]. Results are correlated with the crystal structure and microstructure that significantly influence the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties near the R-T phase transition point. This material seems to be especially suitable for energy harvesting applications, exhibiting outstanding figure of merit.