Softening of antiferroelectricity in PbZrO₃-Pb(Mn _1/2W_1/2)O₃ complex perovskite solid solution

A new solid solution of complex perovksite structure, (1-x)PbZrO ₃-xPb(Mn_1/2W_1/2)O₃ (PZ-xPMnW, with x=0-0.1), is prepared by solid state reaction method. Its crystal structure, dielectric properties, and antiferroelectricity are investigated. It is found that the crystal structure of the solid solution remains in the orthorhombic Pbam symmetry with x≤0.1. The induced ferroelectric polarization (P _Ind) is enhanced, whereas the critical field (E_Cr) is decreased, with increasing PMnW concentration, indicating the softening of antiferroelectricity in PZ. The Curie temperature (T_C) is also decreased with the substitution of PMnW for PZ. The grain size is significantly enlarged, which could be attributed to the presence of a transient liquid phase during the sintering process. Measurements of the magnetization by means of SQUID confirm that the Mn ion exists in a high spin state with a 2+ oxidation state. The softening of antiferroelectric order and the improvement in induced polarization make the PZ-PMnW ceramics an interesting material system for such applications as energy storage devices.