Dielectric properties and substitution preference of yttrium doped barium zirconium titanate ceramics

The dielectric properties of Ba(Zr0.25Ti0.75)O-3 + xY(2)O(3) ceramics are investigated. We believe that, integrating with the lattice parameters, there is an alternation of substitution preference of yttrium ions for the host cations in perovskite lattice that is responsible for the Curie point. The T, rises with the increase of Y3+ doping when the doping content is less than 0.05 at%, owing to the replacement of Y3+ ions for Ba2+ ions at the A-site; when the Y3+ content is more than 0.05 at%, Y3+ ions tend to occupy the B-site in perovskite lattice, causing a drop of Te. Owing to the modifications of Y3+ doping, the loss tangent of BZT ceramics is depressed remarkably, making it a superior candidate to replace widely used lead-contained ceramics. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.