Effects of La⁺³ and Sc⁺³ Ions on Structure and Microstructure of PZT Ceramics for Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

Solid solutions of PZT ceramic at Zr/Ti ratio of 0.56/0.44 having various content of softener (La+3) and hardener (Sc+3) ions according to chemical formula (Pb1-y Lay) (Scx Zr0.56-x Ti0.44) O3, [y= (0.0 and 0.02); x= (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06)], were prepared via conventional solid state reaction methods. Structural and microstructural characteristics were investigated systematically. The measurements of XRD diffraction spectra showed occurring of phase transformation after doping with Sc+3 ions in both, PZT and PLZT ceramics, through emerging of tetragonal phase to coexist with the rhombohedral phase. Their fraction varied depending on content of Sc+3 ions. SEM mages display a different influence of softener and hardener ions, at 0.02 % mole, on the grain size. Doping with La+3 causes reduction in grain size, whereas Sc+3 increase the grain size. However, further increase in Sc+3 content in both (PZT and PZT) ceramics causes sharp decreasing in grain size. The latter feature is preferable in terms of increasing in the energy storage values.