(1 - x)(K0.48Na0.52)(Nb(0.95-y-z)Ta(z)Sb(y))O3-xBi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3 lead-free ceramics: composition dependence of the phase boundaries and electrical properties.

In this work, (1 - x)(K0.48Na0.52)(Nb(0.95-y-z)Ta(z)Sb(y))O3-xBi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5ZrO3, {abbreviation: KNNST-BNKZ-x-y-z} lead-free piezoceramics were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method, and the composition dependence of their phase structures and electrical properties was systematically discussed. Doping with Sb(5+), Ta(5+), and BNKZ plays an important role on the phase boundaries as well as piezoelectric activity. A three-phase coexistence involving rhombohedral-orthorhombic-tetragonal (R-O-T) phases was observed in the ceramics with 0.0325 ≤ x ≤ 0.05, 0.035 ≤ x ≤ 0.065, 0.05 ≤ z ≤ 0.08, indicating that doping with BNKZ, Ta(5+), and Sb(5+) can induce the formation of such a phase boundary by simultaneously increasing TR-O and decreasing TO-T. Enhanced piezoelectric behavior was observed in the ceramics located in the composition region of the R-O-T phase boundary, and a high d33 value of 400 pC N(-1) can be attained by refining their compositions (e.g., x = 0.0325, y = 0.035, and z = 0.05), together with a high TC value of ∼240 °C. Of particular interest is that a large electric field-induced strain of 0.18% (Smax/Emax = 706 pm V(-1)) was also found in the ceramics with x = 0.0325, y = 0.035, and z = 0.05 under a low electric field of 2.5 kV mm(-1). As a result, the piezoelectric activity as well as the strain can be operated in the material system by refining x, y, and z content.