Response of intergrown microstructure to an electric field and its consequences in the lead-free piezoelectric bismuth sodium titanate

We investigate the R3c average structure and micro-structure of the ceramic Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) in situ under applied electric fields using diffraction techniques. Electron diffraction implies the presence of significant octahedral tilt twin disorder, corresponding to the existence of a fine scale intergrown microstructural (IGMS) ‘phase’ within the R3c rhombohedral average structure matrix. A careful neutron refinement suggests not only that the off-centre displacements of the cations relative to the oxygens in the R3c regions increases systematically on application of an electric field but also that the phase fraction of the IGMS regions increases systematically. The latter change in phase fraction on application of the electric field enhances the polar displacement of the cations relative to the oxygen anions and affects the overall strain response. These IGMS regions form local polar nano regions that are not correlated with one another, resulting in polarisation relaxation and strain behaviour observed in BNT-containing materials.

Graphical abstractThe intergrown microstructure at very fine scales within the R3c rhombohedral phase matrix of BNT, originating from octahedral tilt twinning disorder, will increase with respect to an external field.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The existence of an intergrown microstructural “phase” within the average structure matrix. ► This phase fraction of the intergrown microstructural regions changes. ► Such regions form local polar nano regions that are not correlated with one another.