Influences of dopants on BiFeO3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics

This work dealt with effects of various dopants on sintering, structures and complex impedance characteristic of a BiFeO3–PbTiO3 (BF–PT) composition. It was found that the addition of 1 mol% Ta5+, Nb5+ or La3+ has a clear effect on the crystal structure, unlike V5+, Li+ or Zn2+, facilitating a dense strong ceramic of BF–0.32PT composition without a particular heating or cooling processing. Moreover, the Ta5+- or Nb5+-doped samples own relatively improved electrical resistance with different conductive mechanisms, and fine grain morphology, compared to the La3+-doped counterparts. The results demonstrate that Ta5+ and Nb5+ could be good dopants for improving BF–PT compositions to achieve the future application.