Abstract
We demonstrate that an exceptionally large strain can be induced in CaZrO 3-modified alkaline-niobates by electric fields. The maximum induced strain of our niobate-based ceramics could reach more than 1,000 pm/V, which is a much higher value than that of commercial soft PZT ceramics. Atomic-scale annular bright-field (ABF) and annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) directly revealed that individual single grains were composed of an electrically duplex core-shell structure; relaxor-like cores and paraelectric shells. Based on this ABF STEM analysis along with electrical measurements, a plausible mechanism explaining the high strain effect in the present work was suggested. This new material offers an unprecedented opportunity to produce efficient Pb-free piezoelectrics for applications that require large electrostrictive motion.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3363-3369 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Chemistry of Materials |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 17 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 Sep 11 |
Keywords
- actuator
- core/shell
- electric field induced strain
- electron microscopy
- perovskites
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Chemical Engineering(all)
- Materials Chemistry