Grain Size-Dependent Defect and Domain Evolution in Lead Titanate-Based Relaxor Ferroelectrics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics

Background:

• Ferroelectric materials are crucial for various applications.
• Material performance is heavily influenced by grain size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of precise grain size control on Er-doped lead titanate relaxor ferroelectrics.
• To understand how grain size influences domain structure and ferroelectric properties.

Main Methods:

• Spark plasma sintering was used to synthesize dense Er-doped lead titanate ceramics.
• Precise control over grain size was achieved, ranging from 0.9 to 11.1 μm.
• Microstructure, domain structure, and piezoelectric properties were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fine-grained ceramics showed stabilized tetragonal phase with limited polarization.
• Intermediate and coarse-grained ceramics exhibited improved polarization switching and domain wall mobility.
• Piezoelectric coefficient increased by 200% with increasing grain size, reaching 723 pC N⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• Grain size engineering is an effective strategy to optimize domain wall structure.
• Controlled grain size enhances the performance of relaxor ferroelectric materials.
• Optimized grain size leads to superior piezoelectric properties.