Interactions at the cofired interface of Ag/Pd electrode and lead-based ferroelectrics

In the present study, element interdiffusions at the cofired interface of 9/1 Ag/Pd electrode and lead magnesium niobate (PMN)-based ferroelectrics were investigated using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Intense interdiffusions at the interface were observed while Ag and Pd could penetrate into the ceramics for about 1 mum. Ag-doping experiments were carried out to further study the effects of Ag diffusion on electrical properties of the ceramics. The results showed that Ag could be incorporated into solid solution of the ceramics as Ag+. As a whole, the Curie temperature (Tc) and dielectric constant of the ceramics decreased with Ag addition. However, Ag addition had no obvious effect on the insulation resistivity. The results inferred that Ag+ could substitute for Pb2+ at A site of ABO(3) lattice, thereby oxygen vacancies were generated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.