Ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties of Ce3+ modified tetragonal tungsten bronze structured lead barium niobate-55 ceramics

In this work, Lead Barium Niobate-55 tetragonal tungsten bronze structured ceramics modified with Ce3+ with the stoichiometric formula Pb0.55−(3y/2)CeyBa0.45Nb2O6, where y=0–10 mol% Ce3+, were fabricated through the solid state reaction method and investigated for ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties. Pb0.55−(3y/2)CeyBa0.45Nb2O6 (PBN55) exhibited tetragonal (4mm) tungsten bronze structure. The ferroelectric properties (spontaneous polarization, Ps, remanent polarization, Pr and coercive field, Ec), as a function of Ce3+ concentration, have been reported. The influence of Ce3+ on pyroelectric properties of the PBN55 system has been evaluated. The pyroelectric properties were characterized and discussed as a function of Ce3+. The 6 mol% Ce3+ modified tetragonal PBN55 composition exhibited optimum pyroelectric properties in the series which could be suitable for possible pyroelectric applications.

► Substantial Ce3+ effect on ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties of PBN55 observed.
► Maximum pyroelectric coefficients (PRT and Pmax) are observed at C3 composition.
► FMRV=10−13 C m/J, FMRN=10−11 C m/J and FMRI=10−10 C m/J, respectively.
► Pyroelectric coefficients, PRT=166 μC/m2 °C, Pmax=2769 μC/m2 °C and PTC=251 °C.