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Concurrently enhanced piezoelectric performance and curie temperature in stressed lead-free Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 ceramics

Author

Listed:
  • Yuanhui Su

    (University of Jinan)

  • Qingying Wang

    (University of Jinan)

  • Yu Huan

    (University of Jinan)

  • Jianli Wang

    (University of Wollongong Innovation Campus)

  • Wei Sun

    (University of Jinan)

  • Yongjun Li

    (Bruker (Beijing) Scientific Technology Co. Ltd)

  • Tao Wei

    (University of Jinan)

  • Zhenxiang Cheng

    (University of Wollongong Innovation Campus)

Abstract

Eco-friendly, lead-free BaTiO3-based piezoelectrics are critical for sustainable electronics, but improving their piezoelectric properties often compromises Curie temperature (TC). To address this trade-off, we implemented an innovative stress engineering approach by introducing a secondary phase BaAl2O4 in Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCTZ) ceramics. The thermal expansion mismatch between BCTZ and BaAl2O4 induces internal stress within the BCTZ matrix, causing significant lattice distortion and phase fraction modulation, which improves both TC and the piezoelectric coefficient (d33). Additionally, the local electric field and Al3+ doping in ABO3 lattice further enhance d33. Optimized BCTZ ceramics achieve d33 of 650 ± 16 pC N−1, d33* of 1070 pm V−1, and TC of 96.5 ± 1.0 °C, placing them at the forefront of lead-free BaTiO3-based piezoelectrics. This study underscores the effectiveness of bulk stress engineering via a secondary phase for enhancing lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, paving the way for developing high-performance piezoelectric ceramics suitable for broad temperature applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanhui Su & Qingying Wang & Yu Huan & Jianli Wang & Wei Sun & Yongjun Li & Tao Wei & Zhenxiang Cheng, 2025. "Concurrently enhanced piezoelectric performance and curie temperature in stressed lead-free Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 ceramics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59311-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59311-2
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    1. Wenbin Liu & Ting Zheng & Zhangyang Zhou & Yi Ding & Yue Qin & Zhengqian Fu & Xuezheng Ruan & Zhipeng Gao & Xiang Lv & Jiagang Wu, 2025. "Ultrahigh piezoelectricity and temperature stability in piezoceramics by synergistic design," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Y. L. Tang & Y. L. Zhu & Y. Liu & Y. J. Wang & X. L. Ma, 2017. "Giant linear strain gradient with extremely low elastic energy in a perovskite nanostructure array," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, December.
    3. Yasuyoshi Saito & Hisaaki Takao & Toshihiko Tani & Tatsuhiko Nonoyama & Kazumasa Takatori & Takahiko Homma & Toshiatsu Nagaya & Masaya Nakamura, 2004. "Lead-free piezoceramics," Nature, Nature, vol. 432(7013), pages 84-87, November.
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