RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF LEAD-FREE FERROELECTRICS

Abstract

Lead-free ferroelectric materials are currently subject to extensive research activities owing to environmental concerns and corresponding legislation which point to substitute lead-based ferroelectric materials. The paper provides an overview on recent research activities and trends in the field of lead-free ferroelectrics. The current work is grouped by contributions to atomistic-scale analysis of lead-free materials, structure and phase formation, micro structure and dopant effects on piezoelectric properties. The results and challenges to research in these fields are briefly sketched; so a framework is provided in which the contributions of the present topical issue to the major topics in lead-free ferroelectrics are related. The contributions in this issue are listed in Refs. 63–77. Finally, the current status of research and technology on lead-free materials is summarized.