High room-temperature pyroelectric response of MgO-modified Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 ceramics

•The FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition was reduced from 41 °C to 24 °C with MgO addition.•Superior pyroelectric properties were obtained in 0.10 wt% MgO-modified sample.•The largest p of 65 × 10−8 C cm−2 K−1 was achieved at room temperature.•Fd of 20 × 10−5 Pa−1/2 and Fv of 0.91 m2C−1 were also attained at room temperature.

The dielectric and pyroelectric responses of MgO-modified Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 ceramics were investigated near FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition. It was found that MgO additive reduced the FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition temperature from 41 °C to room temperature (24 °C). Superior room-temperature pyroelectric properties were obtained in the composition of 0.10 wt% MgO addition without DC bias. The largest pyroelectric coefficient, 65 × 10−8 C cm−2 K−1, was detected. Accordingly, the detectivity figures of merit Fd had maximum values of 20 × 10−5 Pa−1/2, and especially the voltage responsivity Fv = 0.91 m2C−1 is the highest value reported so far among all pyroelectric materials. It shows promising potential for application in uncooled pyroelectric infrared detector.