Synthesis of lead-free (K, Na)(Nb, Ta)O3 nanopowders using a sol-gel process

Lead-free (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.7Ta0.3)O3 piezoelectric material was successfully synthesized via a sol-gel process. Crystalline (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.7Ta0.3)O3 nanopowders were obtained after heat treatment at 700 degrees C. The particle size was estimated to be 87nm +/- 23 nm. The transmission electron microscopy images showed that individual nanoparticles were single crystalline and had a pseudo-cubic structure with a lattice parameter of -3.96 angstroms. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies consistently showed that the crystallization of the (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.7Ta0.3)O3 occurred slightly above 500 degrees C. The samples have an appropriate stoichiometry as found via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The demonstration of the synthesis of (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.7Ta0.3)O3 via a sol-gel process as presented in this paper can provide an important foundation for the development of a synthetic route towards (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.7Ta0.3)O3 doped with various other elements for high performance piezoelectric devices.