Effect of dysprosium oxide addition on the microstructure and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics

0.2–1.1 mol. % Dy was doped in BaTiO3 ceramics and the doping effect of Dy on the microstructure and the dielectric properties including permittivity and breakdown voltage was studied. The addition of Dy in the BaTiO3 ceramics was found to enhance the dielectric properties, which are attributed to an increase in tetragonality and a significant reduction in the average grain size due to the suppressed grain growth. The doped Dy plays an essential role in the formation of the core-shell structure in the BaTiO3 grains. The 0.8 mol. % Dy-doped BaTiO3 ceramics presented the highest dielectric constant and breakdown voltage due to the increased tetragonality, a remarkably reduced average grain size, and a well-developed core-shell structure in the grains.