Enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the hybrid-doped BaTiO₃ ceramics by the semi-solution method

In the present study, an industrially viable ceramics fabrication way based on solid-state reaction method–semi-solution method was used to improve the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of acceptor-donor co-doped BaTiO₃ ceramics. Unlike the conventional solid-state reaction method, additives in the semi-solution method were introduced in the form of the aqueous solution rather than oxide powders. Experiment results show that higher peak dielectric constant ε_max (140–150%), larger maximum polarization P_max (24 μC cm⁻²), and less apparent aging phenomena were achieved by the semi-solution method. A comprehensive microscopic analysis was carried out to explore the origin of property enhancement. Results show that enhanced properties could be ascribed to the higher level of compositional homogeneity and lower content of oxygen vacancies. This study provides a new method to control aging phenomena and achieve property enhancement in acceptor-donor co-doped ceramics. Moreover, this simple and cost-effective method may also find its application in other extensive-doped ceramics.