Relative Investigation on Microwave-Assisted Zr-Modified PbTiO₃ and BaTiO₃ Ferroelectric Ceramics for Energy Storage...

The escalating demand for energy-related devices has prompted an intensive study on materials for energy harvesting and storage. Recently, due to the toxicity of lead-based materials, researchers have drawn their attention to lead-free ferroelectrics. However, it is indisputable that commercially lead zirconium titanate (PZT) has gained an irreplaceable position as an actuator. In the present work, we specifically compare microwave-sintered PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ and BaZr_0.20Ti_0.80O₃ ceramics based on their energy-storage capacity. The structural, optical, electrical, ferroelectric, and energy storage properties of microwave-sintered Zr-modified lead titanate (PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃, PZT) and Zr-modified barium titanate (BaZr_0.20Ti_0.80O₃, BZT) ceramics are investigated and addressed. The temperature-dependent dielectric property analysis suggests high transition temperature and dielectric properties for PZT ceramic, whereas the near-room temperature transition is observed in the case of BZT. Furthermore, the band-gap energy value of BZT and PZT from UV-vis spectroscopy indicates the possible use of these ceramics in optoelectronic devices. The ferroelectric properties of PZT and BZT are discussed, and the maximum energy storage capacities are found to be 30.5 and 21 mJ/cm³ for PZT and BZT, respectively. It is found that microwave-sintered PZT's characteristics make it an attractive option for use in filters, phase shifters, sensors, actuators, and energy-related devices. On the other hand, BZT finds its suitability in biomedical devices and underwater applications.