A review of the structure-property relationships in lead-free piezoelectric (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–(x)BaTiO3

• Local and average structure of NBT-BT at morphotropic phase boundary is reviewed.
• Average structure of poled and unpoled samples of NBT-BT is discussed.
• Structure-property relationships in NBT-BT and future directions are summarized.

Piezoelectric materials are increasingly being investigated for energy harvesting applications where (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–(x)BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) is an important lead-free piezoelectric material with potential to be used as an actuator in energy harvesting devices. Much effort has been put into modifying NBT-BT to tune the properties for specific applications, but there is currently no consensus regarding the structure-property relationships in this material, making targeted, rational design a major challenge. In this review, we will summarize the current body of knowledge of NBT-BT and discuss contradicting studies, unresolved problems, and future directions in the field.

This review of (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–(x)BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) summarizes the large body of literature regarding the structure-property relationships of this complex material. We highlight structural studies of the average and local structures of both unpoled and poled samples of NBT-BT at its morphotropic phase boundary and discuss them in context of the observed piezoelectric properties.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide