Effect of Europium (Eu) on structural, dielectric and electrical properties of Pb(SnTi)O3 ferroelectric ceramics

The Eu-modified Pb(SnTi)O3 ferroelectric ceramics with a general formula (Pb1−xEux)(SnyTi1−y)1−x/4O3 (PEST) (for x=0, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1 and y=0.45) have been synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. Preliminary X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and detailed temperature and variable frequency dielectric measurements were carried out on prepared samples. The electrical conductivities (ac and dc) of the PEST compounds have been investigated and the activation energies (Eac and Edc) were calculated. From the XRD study, it is confirmed that the compounds have been formed in an orthorhombic single phase. Dielectric study of these compounds as a function of temperature suggests that with increase in concentration of Eu3+, the permittivity maximum decreases and the transition temperature shifts towards higher temperature side. It is observed that for each concentration of Eu the dielectric permittivity (ε) reaches its maximum value at the same Curie temperature for all the three frequencies, revealing the non-relaxor ferroelectric behavior of the materials.