Strain‐Induced Structural Phase Transition and its Effect on Piezoelectric Properties of ( <scp>BZT</scp> ‐ <scp>BCT</scp> )‐(CeO ₂ ) Ceramics

Abstract

A strain‐induced structural phase transition and its subsequent effect on the piezoelectric properties of BZT ‐ BCT – x CeO 2 ( x = 0–0.1 wt%) ceramics have been reported in this manuscript. BZT ‐ BCT – x wt% CeO 2 lead‐free piezoceramics were successfully been prepared using sol–gel method. X‐ray diffraction spectra of BZT ‐ BCT – x wt% CeO 2 ( x = 0–0.10 wt%) ceramics showed a purely single‐phase perovskite structure and a change in crystal structure between tetragonal and rhombohedral phases with increasing CeO 2 content. The strain‐induced structural phase transition has resulted in excellent piezoelectric properties, d 33 = 673 pC /N, k p ~ 56%, and T c = 110°C for BZT ‐ BCT –0.08 wt% CeO 2 ceramics. Greatly improved temperature stability of the piezoelectric properties has been observed over a temperature range between 20°C and 90°C. The ferroelectric–paraelectric transition temperature, T c obtained in this study is 17°C higher than those reported earlier.