Study of electrocaloric effect in lead-free 0.9K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.1CaZrO3 solid solution ceramics

Ferroelectric (FE) materials with large electrocaloric effect (ECE) in a broad operational temperature span are very attractive for solid-state cooling device applications. We have experimentally investigated the ECE in eco-friendly 0.9K(0.5)Na(0.5)NbO(3)-0.1CaZrO(3) ferroelectric solid solution ceramics synthesized through a solid-state synthesis route. The polarization measurements as a function of applied electric fields were carried-out in a large temperature range and the ECE was calculated by an indirect thermodynamic approach. The maximum value of ECE (Delta T) was found to be 0.27 K at 402 K under the electric field of 40 kV/cm and the corresponding EC responsivity (Delta T/Delta E) was found to be 0.675x10(-7)KmV(-1). The results of ECE response show that this material has the great potentials for its utility in next generation solid state refrigeration technologies.