Large pyroelectric figure of merits for Sr-modified Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 ceramics

• Large pyroelectric coefficient 25 × 10−4C/cm2.K was found.
• High pyroelectric figures of merit were observed.
• Phase transition temperature decreases from 357 K to 308 K.

In the present work ferroelectric, dielectric and pyroelectric properties of Sr-modified Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 ceramics were investigated. A significant increase in polarization has been observed, from 16 μC/cm2 to 25 μC/cm2 for 15% Sr added BCZT compositions. Correspondingly an improvement in dielectric constant, from 2743 to 4040, was observed at room temperature (1 MHz). It was found that Curie–Weiss temperature (TCW) decreases from 357 K to 308 K for 15% Sr containing BCZT ceramics. Simultaneously, it also enhances the order-disorder to displacing phase transition as γ varies from 1.91 to 1.31. Pyroelectric coefficient was found to be 25 μC/cm2K at 308 K. Finally, pyroelectric figures of merit (FOMs) for voltage responsivity (Fv), current responsivity (Fi), detectivity (Fd), energy harvesting (Fe) and new energy harvesting (Fe∗) are calculated. A large improvement in pyroelectric FOMs indicates that it might be a potential material for pyroelectric applications.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide