Effect of rare-earth donor Ce3+ doping at A-site of PLSZNT on dielectric and piezoelectric properties

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of [Pb0.976La0.014-xCexSr0.01][Zr0.57Ti0.43]((0.9975-((0.014-x)/4)-(x/4))) Nb0.002O3 (PLCSZNT) ceramic compositions for 0 <= x <= 1 mol% were investigated. The XRD analysis showed the presence of single rhombohedral phase. Grain size and density increased until 0.6 mol% Ce and further Ce concentration inhibited the grain growth. The stability of rhombohedral phase has been supported by tolerance factor and average electronegativity difference. The room temperature dielectric response (epsilon(RT)) increased up to 0.6 mol% combined with a significantly reduced dielectric loss (Tan delta) and low curie temperature (T-c). The higher piezoelectric properties associated with low Ce concentration are attributed to rhombohedral phase. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties were found in 0.6 mol% Ce composition which could be suitable for possible piezoelectric applications. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.