Piezoelectric properties of [Li0.03(K0.48Na0.52)0.97](Nb0.97Sb0.03)O3-(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

[Li0.03(K0.48Na0.52)0.97](Nb0.97Sb0.03)O3-(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 [(1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ] lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid state method, and effects of BCTZ content on the piezoelectric properties of LKNNS ceramics were mainly investigated. A stable solid solution has been formed between LKNNS and BCTZ, and a morphotropic phase boundary of (1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics is identified in the range of 0 < x ≤ 0.02. The Curie temperature of (1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics decreases with increasing BCTZ content. A higher ɛr value and a lower tan δ value are demonstrated for the (1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramic with x = 0.02. The (1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramic with x = 0.02 has an enhanced electrical behavior of d33 ∼ 237 pC/N, kp ∼ 48.6%, ɛr ∼ 1451, tan δ ∼ 0.037, and Tc ∼ 335 °C. As a result, (1−x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics are promising candidate materials for the field of lead-free piezoelectric materials.