Structure, Microstructure, and Dielectric Properties of Bi_0.5(Na_0.78K_0.22)_0.5TiO₃Lead-Free Ceramic

Abstract

In this article, the structural, microstructural, and dielectric properties of Lead- free perovskite ceramic Bi0.5(Na0.78K0.22)0.5TiO3 [BNKT] have been reported. The material was synthesized through the solid-state reaction method. The compound formed is found to have a hexagonal structure, confirmed by XRD analysis of the sample. The microstructural analysis of the compound revealed the polycrystalline nature of the ceramic having quasi-cubic grain morphology with distinct grain boundaries. From the dielectric study, it was found that the dielectric constant increases with temperature and attained maximum value at temperature Tc = 335° C, after which it decreased. The frequency independence of transition temperature (Tc) suggested the classic ferroelectric behaviour of the compound. The broad dielectric peak around transition temperature confirms the relaxor behaviour of the compound as well as diffused phase transition at Tc. The value of the relative permittivity and loss tangent at ambient temperature for 1kHz frequency is 627 and 0.223 respectively. The synthesized material can be utilized for the fabrication of capacitors and energy storage applications.