Mn doping effects on electric properties of 0.93(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃-0.07Ba(Ti_0.945Zr_0.055)O₃ ceramics

The validity of Mn element on 0.93(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃-0.07Ba(Ti_0.945Zr_0.055)O₃ ceramics (BNT-BZT-xMn) is certified by doping. On account of multiple effects introduced by Mn, the appropriate Mn content facilitates property improvement effectively. Compared with pure BNT-BZT, d₃₃ of the component x = 0.25 increases about 8% up to 187 pC/N and Q_m of the component x = 1 increases about 84% up to 197. Thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC) measurement reveals Mn additive is helpful to pyroelectric properties as well. The Mn-doped component x = 0.125 exhibits better pyroelectric performance at room temperature. Corresponding pyroelectric coefficient and the figures of merit reach up to 0.061 μC/(cm² °C), F_i=217 pm/V, F_ν = 0.023 m²/C, and F_d = 12.6 μPa^−1/2, respectively, even superior to lead-based ceramics. Similar pyroelectric advantage is also observed in the component x = 0.5 near depolarization temperature T_d. Mn doping has slight harmful influence on the ferroelectric-to-relaxor transition temperature T_{F −R}, as well as T_d, but hardly shows restriction on application. These results confirm Mn doping is an available strategy to improve BNT-based ceramics. Therefore, Mn-doped BNT-BZT ceramics will be excellent candidates in area of high-power piezoelectric application and pyroelectric detectors.