Synergistic regulation of Nd₂O₃ doping and components accommodation to attain enhanced electrical performance in BiScO₃-PbTiO₃ high temperature ceramics

Nd₂O₃-modified BiScO₃-PbTiO₃ (Nd: BS-PT) ceramics were synthesized with the aim of augmenting the piezoelectric response. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to explore the impact of Nd and PT content on the structure, microstructure, and electrical properties of Nd: BS-PT ceramics. The introduction of Nd ions resulted in notable enhancements in the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of BS-PT ceramics. In the case of 0.02Nd: BS-0.64PT, the piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) reached an impressive 550 pC/N. Furthermore, the room-temperature dielectric constants exhibited a continuous increase with rising Nd content. The relaxation behavior demonstrated a progressive augmentation corresponding to the increased Nd content. Conversely, both saturation polarization and remnant polarization exhibited a gradual decline with increasing Nd content. These variations are attributed to the refined microstructure and enhanced relaxation behavior induced by Nd doping. This innovative Nd: BS-PT ceramic demonstrates that judicious incorporation of Nd can markedly enhance the piezoelectric properties of BS-PT ceramics. Such a modification significantly augments the performance of BS-PT ceramics across various applications, notably in sensors and actuators.