Pyroelectric Response and Conduction Mechanism in Highly Crystallized Ferroelectric Sr3(VO4)2 Ceramic

We present a study on the ferroelectric phase transition, pyroelectric properties, and conduction mechanism of highly crystallized strontium orthovanadate (Sr3V2O8) ceramic, prepared by a solid-state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction studies show the formation of a single-phase compound in trigonal crystal system. Detailed studies of dielectric parameters (epsilon(r) and tan delta) of the compound as a function of temperature and frequency reveal their independence over a wide range of temperature and frequency. An anomaly in epsilon(r) suggests the possible existence of a ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition of diffuse type in the material, which is confirmed by electric polarization and pyroelectric studies. The low dielectric loss and moderate relative permittivity make this material (with suitable modifications) a potential candidate for use in microwave applications. The low leakage current and negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior of the sample have been verified from J-E plots. The nature of the variation of the direct-current (DC) conductivity with temperature confirms the Arrhenius and NTCR behavior of the material.