Effect of Y and Nb codoping on the microstructure and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate ceramics

A system Pb1.03−xYx[(Zr0.52Ti0.48)1−xNbx]O3 (x=0–0.05) has been investigated to demonstrate the codoping effect of Y3+ and Nb5+ ions on the microstructure and electrical properties of lead zirconia titanate (PZT) ceramics. It is observed that the lattice parameters of the doped PZT ceramics are mainly affected by additions of Y3+ ion, with Nb5+ ion having a negligible effect on the tetragonal–rhmobohedral transition. The codoping of Y3+ and Nb5+ ions is noted to inhibit grain growth, and promote densification. The optimal doping level is found to be at x=∼0.015, where a dielectric constant (εr) of 1366, piezoelectric constant (d31) of −139.8 pN/V, e31 of −9.2 N/V·M and an electromechanical coupling factor (kp) of 0.61 have been obtained.